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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo.  From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim  and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick.  Schlegel represents the European Space Agency.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST of the STS-129 mission.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.     STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6299

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2009-6337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida aftern... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown.  Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6387

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media.  From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the microphone); Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.  The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3372

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the mic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space shuttle Atlantis for the planned launch today at 2:45 p.m. EST.  Seen on the right, front to back, are Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel.  On the left, front to back, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, followed by Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency.  The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171.    Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6583

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from the cockpit of space shuttle Atlantis following a picture-perfect landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171.     Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Other crew members aboard Atlantis are Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jeff Wolfe KSC-2009-6594

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from the cockpit of space shuttle Atlantis following a picture-perfect landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. In the foreground are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim (left) and Stan Love.  The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment.  The other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their miss... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission.  Seen here in the foreground are Mission Specialists Stan Love (left) and Rex Walheim.  The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency.  The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there.  Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization.  The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab,  a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  STS-122 is targeted for launch in December.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2656

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission.  Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel.  Next to him, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission.  Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs.  The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab,  a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  STS-122 is targeted for launch in December.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Ha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there.  Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right).  The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization.  The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab,  a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  STS-122 is targeted for launch in December.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2655

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there.  Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right).  The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization.  The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab,  a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  STS-122 is targeted for launch in December.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2654

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members stand next to the space shuttle Atlantis, which is being processed for launch on STS-122.  From left are European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who also represents ESA.  Eyharts will be traveling to the International Space Station to join the Expedition 16 crew as a flight engineer.  The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission.  Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs.  STS-122 is targeted for launch in December.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2614

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members stand next to the space shuttle Atlantis, which is being processed for launch on STS-122. From left are European Space Age... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons greets Pilot Alan Poindexter as Commander Steve Frick looks on.  Disembarking are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency and Stanley Love. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3324

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to parti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B following a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier.  An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the pad before their launch.  From left are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Stanley Love; Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Leopold Eyharts and Hans Schlegel.  Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.  The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3351

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group port...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B following a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier. An M-113 will be available t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts of the European Space Agency, in front, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor, in the helmet beside him, monitors his performance.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. In back from left, former astronaut Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office at NASA Johnson Space Center, and STS-122 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love (standing) and Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, are along for the ride. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part of training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch.  The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyha...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts of the European Space Agency, in front, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor, in the helmet beside him... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group photo following a press conference.  From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.  The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3380

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group photo following a press conference. From left are Commander Steve Fri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A.  Clockwise, from left, are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts and Stanley Love, Eyharts' backup Frank De Winne, Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim with his back to the camera. Schlegel, Eyharts and De Winne are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.    The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3385

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left, are Mission Specialists L... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media.  From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim (with the microphone), Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.  The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media.  From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel (with the microphone), Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.  The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3379

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A.  Standing in the basket, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim.  Schlegel is with the European Space Agency.  Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed.  Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute.  A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby.   The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station.  Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3388

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew greet the media and employees on hand to cheer them on as the leave the Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Pad 39A.  Clockwise, from left front, are Pilot Alan Poindexter; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love, Leopold Eyharts, Hans Schlegel, and Rex Walheim; and Commander Steve Frick.  Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.   The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training.  On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3416

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew greet the media and employees on hand to cheer them on as the leave the Operations and Checkout Bu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39A.  Clockwise, from left front, are Pilot Alan Poindexter; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love, Leopold Eyharts, Hans Schlegel, and Rex Walheim; and Commander Steve Frick.  Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency.  Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission.    The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training.  On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3417

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left... More

S122E008251 - STS-122 - Frick, Melvin and Love in the U.S. Lab

S122E008251 - STS-122 - Frick, Melvin and Love in the U.S. Lab

The original finding aid described this as: Description: STS-122 Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Stanley Love pause for a photo while working the controls of the Space Station R... More

S122E008252 - STS-122 - Frick, Melvin and Love in the U.S. Lab

S122E008252 - STS-122 - Frick, Melvin and Love in the U.S. Lab

The original finding aid described this as: Description: STS-122 Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Stanley Love pause for a photo while working the controls of the Space Station R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew heads for a microphone to greet the media waiting for them.  From left are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  This will be the third launch attempt for the mission.  Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made.  Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew heads for a microphone to greet the media waiting for them. From left are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members have gathered for the traditional breakfast before they launch today on space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station. Around the table, from left, are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Commander Steve Frick, and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency.  The launch is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EST.  It will be the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0182

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members have gathered for the traditional breakfast before they launch today on space shuttle Atlantis to the International... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The STS-122 crew members greet onlookers as they head for the Astrovan and their ride to Launch Pad 39A for the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission.  From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim, and Commander Steve Frick.  The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0200

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew members greet onlooker...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew members greet onlookers as they head for the Astrovan and their ride to Launch Pad 39A for the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. From left... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew signals a successful mission and landing.  From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim  and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick.  Schlegel represents the European Space Agency.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0408

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew signals a successful mission and landing. From left are Mission Speciali... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference.  Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller.  The crewmembers, from left, are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0416

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference. Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller. The crewmembers, from left, are Commander St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  After exiting the crew transport vehicle on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis to greet the media and guests.  At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick.  Behind him, left to right, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim (not visible) and Stanley Love, and Pilot Alan Poindexter.  Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST.  The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0405

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis to greet the me... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference.  Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller.  The crewmembers, from left, are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0412

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference. Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller. The crewmembers, from left, are Commander St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 crewmembers are greeted by NASA VIPs, media and guests.  Seen front to back are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love, who represents the European Space Agency.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST.  The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0401

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 crewmembers are greeted by NASA VIPs, media and guests. Seen front to back are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, H... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference.  Seen here, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0414

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference. Seen here, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel, who represents the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference.  Seen here, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0417

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference. Seen here, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel, who represents the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference.  Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller.  The crewmembers, from left, are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love.   After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0415

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew discusses its mission at a post-landing conference. Moderating at left is NASA Public Affairs Officer George Diller. The crewmembers, from left, are Commander St... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium.  Having completed their successful 13-day mission to the International Space Station, (from left) Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love share personal stories, photos and videos of their challenging mission.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0954

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium. Having completed their successful 13-day mission to the International Space Stati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium.  Having completed their successful 13-day mission to the International Space Station, (from left) Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love share personal stories, photos and videos of their challenging mission.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0956

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium. Having completed their successful 13-day mission to the International Space Stati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium.  At center, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (with microphone) shares a personal story about his experiences.  The other crew members are (from left) Commander Steven Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0957

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium. At center, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (with microphone) shares a personal sto... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium.  Here, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (with microphone) shares a personal story about his experiences.  With him are (from left) Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love.   Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0955

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-122 crew returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a presentation in the Training Auditorium. Here, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (with microphone) shares a personal story ab... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew are instructed on the operation of the emergency escape slidewire baskets at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Robert L. Satcher Jr.    The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5605

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew are instructed on the operation of the emergency escape slidewire baskets at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew take time out from their training at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to pose for a group portrait. From left are Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman; and Commander Charles O. Hobaugh.  The Ares I-X test rocket, in the background, arrived at Launch Pad 39B earlier in the day.    The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5606

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew take time out from their training at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to pose for a group portrait. From left are M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 crew, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, appear ready for liftoff following the completion of their Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a dress rehearsal for launch. Behind them are space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the nose cone of a solid rocket booster. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Randy Bresnik; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; and Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.    Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 crew, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, appear ready for liftoff following the completion of their Terminal... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," take a break from their payload familiarization training for a photo. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Robert L. Satcher Jr., Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Mission Specialist Mike Foreman.    The training affords the crew an opportunity to observe the placement of the Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay before launch.  The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission came to Kennedy to participate in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6103

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," take a break f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 crew, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, pose for a group portrait following the completion of their Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a dress rehearsal for launch. Behind them are space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the nose cone of a solid rocket booster. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Randy Bresnik; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; and Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.    Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6082

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 crew, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, pose for a group portrait following the completion of their Termina... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, bottom, and Randy Bresnik, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, are strapped into their seats aboard space shuttle Atlantis.  The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.    Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6070

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, bottom, and Randy Bresnik, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, are strapped in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the members of the STS-129 crew exit the Operations and Checkout Building in their launch-and-entry suits to catch a ride in the Astrovan to Launch Pad 39A.  The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman; Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr.    Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6057

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the members of the STS-129 crew exit the Operations and Checkout Building in their launch-and-entry suits to catch a ride in the Astrovan to Lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, left, and Robert L. Satcher Jr. are preparing to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the White Room.  The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.    Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.  Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6064

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, left, and Robert L. Satcher Jr. are preparing to enter space shuttle Atlantis with ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with space shuttle Atlantis awaiting launch at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 on its STS-129 mission.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6295

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Ke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with space shuttle Atlantis awaiting launch at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 on its STS-129 mission. STS-129 crew m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the rotating service structure away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown.  Liftoff on its STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6297

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the rotating service structure away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As night falls over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown.  Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6301

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As night falls over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Ke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As night falls over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure moves away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.  Liftoff on its STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.     STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6298

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure moves away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun goes down behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure moves away from space shuttle Atlantis.  Liftoff on its STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6296

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun goes down behind Launch Pad 39A at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun goes down behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure moves away from space shuttle Atlantis. Liftoff on its STS-129 missio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Xenon lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reveal space shuttle Atlantis awaiting launch on its mobile launcher platform.  Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  The pad's rotating service structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m.    STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6302

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Xenon lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenned...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Xenon lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reveal space shuttle Atlantis awaiting launch on its mobile launcher platform. Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis leaps into the wild blue yonder over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-2009-6390

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis leaps into the wild blue yonder over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2009-6395

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site witness space shuttle Atlantis cut its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2009-6338

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site witness space shuttle Atlantis cut its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6335

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-2009-6389

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger KSC-2009-6375

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis cuts its way through the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6353

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6379

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:2... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad 39A framed by the native scrub habitat on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6372

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad 39A framed by the native scrub habitat on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis leaves a contrail through the clouds over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger KSC-2009-6378

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis leaves a contrail throug...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis leaves a contrail through the clouds over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Joseph KSC-2009-6405

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form around space shuttle Atlantis as it springs into action from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit:Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6332

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form around space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form around space shuttle Atlantis as it springs into action from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As its solid rocket boosters ignite, space shuttle Atlantis begins to rise beside the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6400

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As its solid rocket boosters ignite, space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As its solid rocket boosters ignite, space shuttle Atlantis begins to rise beside the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2009-6396

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Launch Pad 39A above the exhaust cloud billowing on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Laun...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Launch Pad 39A above the exhaust cloud billowing on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Launch Pad 39A on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Linda Perry KSC-2009-6352

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Laun...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis races to orbit from Launch Pad 39A on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud forms at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis leaps toward the heavens.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6382

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud forms at Launch Pad 39A at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud forms at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis leaps toward the heavens. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud builds on Launch Pad 39A as the solid rocket motors ignite, launching space shuttle Atlantis on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-6348

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud builds on Launch Pad 39A as th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud builds on Launch Pad 39A as the solid rocket motors ignite, launching space shuttle Atlantis on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis springs into action from Launch Pad 39A on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-6351

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis springs into action from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis springs into action from Launch Pad 39A on a perfect Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6347

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A post-launch news conference is held in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis. From left are Public Affairs moderator Mike Curie; Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; Mike Moses, chair, Mission Management Team; and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.     Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 from Launch Pad 39A.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.  For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6402

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A post-launch news conference is held in the NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A post-launch news conference is held in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis. From left are Publ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Media representatives and Twitter followers participate in a post-launch news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis. On the dais, from left, are Public Affairs moderator Mike Curie; Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; Mike Moses, chair, Mission Management Team; and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.     Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 from Launch Pad 39A.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.  For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6403

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Media representatives and Twitter followers par...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Media representatives and Twitter followers participate in a post-launch news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the successful l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts on the STS-129 crew, dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, wave to spectators as they walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building for the 15-minute ride in the Astrovan to Launch Pad 39A.  From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman; Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik; and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore.     Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.  For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6319

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts on the STS-129 crew, dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, wave to spectators as they walk out of the Operations and Ch... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-6340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Ben Cooper KSC-2009-6344

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis emerges through the clouds over Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger KSC-2009-6377

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis emerges through the clou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis emerges through the clouds over Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad 39A framed by the native scrub habitat on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6371

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches from Launch Pad 39A framed by the native scrub habitat on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6398

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis appears to levitate as its solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-2009-6388

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis appears to levitate as i...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis appears to levitate as its solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6399

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An exhaust cloud begins to form at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the engines ignite on space shuttle Atlantis. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Jeffrey Marino KSC-2009-6342

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-6339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-6349

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger KSC-2009-6376

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. ES... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6333

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts on the STS-129 crew, dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, wave to spectators as they walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building for the 15-minute ride in the Astrovan to Launch Pad 39A.  In the left column, from the front, are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman.  In the right column, from the front, are Pilot Barry E. Wilmore and Mission Specialists Randy Bresnik and Robert L. Satcher Jr.    Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.  For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6318

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts on the STS-129 crew, dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, wave to spectators as they walk out of the Operations and Ch... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-6383

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis takes flight from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p... More

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