NASA Shuttle Atlantis: Ready to Fly

Image of Gantry swinging away from Atlantis prior to launch sequencing

Space shuttle Atlantis is embarking on its final planned mission. During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and six astronauts will fly to the International Space Station, leaving behind a Russian Mini Research Module, a set of batteries for the station's truss and dish antenna, along with other replacement parts.

NASA astronaut Ken Ham will command an all-veteran flight crew: Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Michael Good, Garrett Reisman, Piers Sellers and Steve Bowen.

After the final STS-132 Flight Readiness Review, John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager, pointed out that Atlantis' last planned mission will be an exciting one.

"Twelve days, three [spacewalks], tons of robotics... We're putting on spares that make us feel good about the long-term sustainability of the ISS, replacing batteries that have been up there for a while, and docking a Russian-built ISS module," Shannon said.

"This flight has a little bit of everything, and it's been a great preparation for the team."

NASA Shuttle Atlantis: STS-132 Crew Ready to Fly

The crew of space shuttle Atlantis dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, are cheered on by employees and media representatives on hand as they depart from crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building.

In the left row, from front, are Pilot Tony Antonelli followed by Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Steve Bowen. In the right row, from front, are Commander Ken Ham followed by Mission Specialists Michael Good and Piers Sellers.