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Atlantis Crew Finishes Mission

Astronauts complete final spacewalk

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 2:55 PM CST

(Newser) – Astronauts from the space shuttle Atlantis finished the final spacewalk of their mission at the International Space Station today, clearing the way for their return Wednesday. Astronauts Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik installed a science experiment that will test how materials, including a new kind of Teflon, hold up to the rigors of space. The pair also installed an oxygen tank on the station’s Quest airlock, Space.com reports.

Bresnik, whose wife gave birth in Houston this weekend, said he thought of his family when he returned from the spacewalk: "I got to see (via video) my little girl for the first time yesterday. Thank you to my wonderful wife for bringing her into the world. That is the most beautiful thing I've seen since I left Earth."

In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr., top, and astronaut Randolph Bresnik are seen working on the International Space Station, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009.
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr., top, and astronaut Randolph Bresnik are seen working on the International Space Station, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/NASA)
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen working on a oxygen tank near the International Space Station, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009.
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen working on a oxygen tank near the International Space Station, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/NASA)
An image provided by NASA shows the helmet visor of astronaut Michael Foreman, STS-129 mission specialist, with a relection of his crewmate astronaut Randy Bresnik capturing the image with an electronic still camera during their spacewalk Saturday Nov. 21, 2009.
An image provided by NASA shows the helmet visor of astronaut Michael Foreman, STS-129 mission specialist, with a relection of his crewmate astronaut Randy Bresnik capturing the image with an electronic...   (AP Photo/NASA)
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen preparing to work on a high-pressure tank on the International Space Station.
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen preparing to work on a high-pressure tank on the International Space Station.   (AP Photo/NASA)
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen preparing to work on a high-pressure tank on the International Space Station.
In this image made from video and released by NASA, astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. is seen preparing to work on a high-pressure tank on the International Space Station.   (AP Photo/NASA)
In an image provided by NASA, astronaut Mike Foreman, STS-129 mission specialist, performs a task on the exterior of the International Space Station during the second space walk of Atlantis' visit to the orbital outpost, Saturday Nov. 21, 2009.
In an image provided by NASA, astronaut Mike Foreman, STS-129 mission specialist, performs a task on the exterior of the International Space Station during the second space walk of Atlantis' visit to...   (AP Photo/NASA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
RockyPneumonia
Nov 23, 2009 9:09 AM CST
I can just imagine the arguments Bresnik and his wife will have over the years. You know that sooner or later he'll hear, "...And you weren't even there when the baby was born!"

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