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Space Shutte Atlantis Lands in Florida, NASA (With Video)
"Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts ended an 11-day journey of nearly 4.5 million miles with a 9:44 a.m. EST landing Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, designated STS-129, included three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the International Space Station's truss, or backbone. The platforms hold large spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired. The shuttle crew delivered about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space."
NASA Managers Congratulate the STS-129 Mission Crew, NASA
"During a post-landing press conference held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations said, "This has just been an amazing mission. On-time launch, on-time landing ... just a phenomenal team effort across the board."
STS-129 Post-landing Crew Conference, NASA
"Hobaugh proudly introduced his crew and the tasks each member was responsible for. He mentioned Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik was not present at the briefing because he flew home to be with his wife and new baby girl, born while he was still on orbit."
Did not see any tile damage, and a new record for fewest problems during preparation for launch. After 129 flights the Shuttle is finally working well, launching 6 times a year with 7 people and 22,000 lb each time. Why are we replacing it with a system that will carry four people and a few hndred punds of cargo twice a year, after a five year gap, but still cost about the same amount?