Space shuttle Atlantis crew uses Canadian robotic arm for final mission
Posted July 9, 2011 9:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis lifted off Friday in front of almost one million people – including five Canadian astronauts – on the final flight of the 30-year program.
It was called a sentimental journey, while Saturday marks the first full day of the final trip to outer space for Atlantis, as NASA plans to retire it’s shuttle program.
Over the next twelve days, the four member crew of Atlantis will conduct research into robotic refuelling techniques, using mainly Canadian robotic technology, the Canadarm.
The crew members got a music wake up call for their first full day in space, with a song from Cold Play.
The wake up music was followed by a greeting by the crew at the Marshall Flight Centre, which was responsible for the launch.
“Good morning Marshall Space Flight Centre. Thanks for that great message and awesome ride to orbit and 134 before that with this tremendous space shuttle program,” were commander Chris Ferguson’s reactions.
It will be a busy work day with the Canadarm already being put to use. “Chris Ferguson and Doug Hurly now moving the shuttle’s robotic arm in for grapple,” said a crew member at the Marshall Space Flight Centre.
The Canadarm is being retired at the end of the mission and the shuttle is delivering supplies to the international space station. They are expected to dock with the station on Sunday.
This is the Canadarm 90th space shuttle mission since it first flew on Shuttle Columbia in 1981.
In 134 missions, the five space shuttles have ferried 355 astronauts half a billion miles in space.
