Space Shuttle Atlantis launched today on an 11-day mission to deliver 14 tons of supplies, science experiments and spare parts to the International Space Station as the outpost transitions from assembly to continuous scientific research.
“The STS-129 processing flow was very smooth, and is a testament to the capabilities and dedication of the human space flight team,” said Mark Nappi, Vice President of Launch and Recovery Systems for United Space Alliance (USA). “We have six Shuttle missions remaining in the manifest, including this flight, and each one is crucial to the future success of the ISS and the continued presence of humans in orbit.”
United Space Alliance, NASA’s prime human spaceflight contractor, processes and prepares each Space Shuttle for launch. On average, a Shuttle processing flow requires 750,000 man hours and involves thousands of tasks aimed at preparing the orbiter, the two solid booster rockets and the external fuel tank for launch. USA also provides planning, training and on-orbit support for the Shuttle and ISS crew missions.
On this mission Atlantis will carry two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers, a new Materials on International Space Station Experiment carrier, an S-Band Antenna Sub-Assembly and additional equipment, supplies and scientific experiments that will be used by the continuing crew of six aboard the Station.
During STS-129 crewmembers will participate in science investigations focused on sustaining life in space environments, developing vaccines in microgravity, materials science, earth observation, and physical and biological sciences. Space Shuttle Atlantis also will return to Earth with scientific samples from current Station science studies including experiments studying bone loss, heart disease, immunology, nutrition, and metallurgical solidification.
At the end of the mission, Atlantis also will bring home Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, the final astronaut scheduled to use a Space Shuttle for an ISS crew rotation.
“This mission is capping off a very successful year in human space exploration,” said Nappi. “We’ve conducted five Shuttle flights, continued readying the Space Station for its scientific mission, repaired and upgraded the Hubble Space Telescope, and had a successful flight test of NASA’s next generation human space exploration vehicle. Great strides were made for the future.”
About United Space Alliance:
United Space Alliance is a world leader in space operations with extensive experience in all aspects of the field. Headquartered in Houston, USA has more than 9,000 employees working in Texas, Florida and Alabama. Currently, USA is applying its broad range of capabilities to NASA’s Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation programs as well as to space operations customers in the commercial and international space industry sectors.
