Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A (Courtesy: NASA)
Atlantis is scheduled to launch on Nov 16th on STS-129 mission, supplying enough supplies and spare sparts to the ISS (International Space Station) to keep it in operation once the Space Shuttle Fleet is grounded in 2010. With only about six Shutle missions remaining, STS-129 will be carrying cargo that could only fit the shuttle’s spacious cargo bay.
These supplies will be loaded in two platforms called the ELC (External Logistic Carrier). Each ELC will be installed on both side of the station’s truss. ELC will contain spare parts that will replace the failed components on the ISS.
Besides supplies, three space walks will also be conducted to install a new antenna on the sations’s truss, a new oxygen tank and a GATOR (Grappling Adaptor to On-Orbit Railing) bracket to the columbus lab.
Space Station Configuration after STS-129 (Courtesy: NASA)
This is Altantis first mission after the succesful STS-125 to Hubble, and also second last mission, with STS-132 to be the last after which it will be finally retired.
