Atlantis Astronauts Finally Get To Relax In Orbit

Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived at International Space Station after taking off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, NASA said Sunday.

Atlantis flew around 352 km above the South Pacific when it docked with the ISS orbiting at 10:28 ET on Sunday. Shuttle and station crews opened the hatches and kept the traditional welcoming ceremony at around 12:30, said Agency.

Afterwards, the crew conducted a safety briefing and began transferring equipment and supplies. Astronauts Garrett Reisman and Steve Bowen are preparing the first spacewalk, which begins Monday at 20:15 and is scheduled to last 6 ½ hours.

The six shuttle astronauts are free on Thursday. Station commander Oleg Kotov will open up the newly installed Russian department. He wants a mask to prevent floating dust or other debris.

Atlantis delivered the new department, named Rassvet, Russian for Dawn.