Nov 27, 2009

Allard Beutel Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 allard beutel@nasa gov

Katherine Trinidad Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 katherine trinidad@nasa gov

RELEASE: 09-279

SPACE SHUTTLE CREW RETURNS HOME AFTER 11-DAY MISSION

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla - 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

STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh was joined on Atlantis' STS-129 mission by Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher Atlantis returned with station resident Nicole Stott, who spent 91 days in space This marks the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members

A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Monday, Nov 30, in Houston The public is invited to attend the 4 p m CST event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990 Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www nasa gov/ntv

With Atlantis and its crew safely home, the stage is set for launch of shuttle Endeavour on its STS-130 mission, targeted to begin in February Endeavour will deliver a pressurized module, known as Tranquility, which will provide room for many of the space station's life support systems Attached to the node is a cupola, a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and another in the center that provides a 360-degree view around the station

For more about the STS-129 mission and the upcoming STS-130 flight, visit:

http://www nasa gov/shuttle

STS-129 crew members Melvin, Satcher and Stott are providing mission updates on Twitter For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media Web sites, visit:

http://www nasa gov/connect

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov

-end-

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