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Shuttle Docks at Space Station

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 11, 2007 5:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Atlantis docked with the international space station today, bringing with it a segment to be added to the station and the newest member of its crew. The arrival was marred by concern about a piece of thermal blanket on the shuttle that peeled back during launch;  ground control is trying to decide if it needs to be repaired before the Atlantis returns.

Because engineers believe the damage wasn't caused by debris impact, they are confident it can be fixed if need be. Shuttle resident Sunita Williams will be returning home after six months on the station, replaced by astronaut Clayton Anderson.

In this image made from video provided by NASA, the Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen above the Earth during a back flip as it approaches the international space station in orbit. (AP Photo/NASA)
In this image made from video provided by NASA, the Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen above the Earth during a back flip as it approaches the international space station in orbit. (AP Photo/NASA)   (Associated Press)
Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from the pad at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Friday, June 8, 2007. Atlantis is on an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from the pad at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Friday, June 8, 2007. Atlantis is on an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)   (Associated Press)
The space shuttle Atlantis heads for orbit after lifting off Friday evening June 8, 2007 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
The space shuttle Atlantis heads for orbit after lifting off Friday evening June 8, 2007 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)   (Associated Press)
Space Shuttle Atlantis launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fl., Friday, June 8, 2007. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Space Shuttle Atlantis launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fl., Friday, June 8, 2007. (AP Photo/John Raoux)   (Associated Press)
In this video frame grab taken from NASA television, international space station cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, left, white shirt, speaks as the crews of Atlantis and the international space station greet each other in the space station's Destiny laboratory, Sunday June 10, 2007. Hatches between the two spacecraft opened about 1...
In this video frame grab taken from NASA television, international space station cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, left, white shirt, speaks as the crews of Atlantis and the international space station greet each...   (Associated Press)
International space station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin waits for the arrival of the crew of space shuttle Atlantis in the space station's Destiny laboratory, Sunday June 10, 2007. Hatches between the two spacecraft opened about 1 1/2-hours after the shuttle docked with the space station following leak checks. (AP Photo/NASA-TV)
International space station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin waits for the arrival of the crew of space shuttle Atlantis in the space station's Destiny laboratory, Sunday June 10, 2007. Hatches between the...   (Associated Press)
Space shuttle Atlantis commander Rick Sturckow, right, hugs international space station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin as the crews of Atlantis and the international space station greet each other in the space station's Destiny laboratory, Sunday June 10, 2007. Hatches between the two spacecraft opened about 1 1/2-hours after the shuttle docked...
Space shuttle Atlantis commander Rick Sturckow, right, hugs international space station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin as the crews of Atlantis and the international space station greet each other in the...   (Associated Press)
Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen docked with the international space station in orbit, with the Earth seen above. (AP Photo/NASA)
Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen docked with the international space station in orbit, with the Earth seen above. (AP Photo/NASA)   (Associated Press)
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World • Science • US

 
NASA • space • Sunita Williams • astronauts • Clayton Anderson • International Space Station • Atlantis Space Shuttle

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