New Truss Attached to the Station

By Fraser Cain - June 11, 2007 at 4:20 PM UTC | Space Exploration

The space shuttle Atlantis linked up with the International Space Station on Sunday, bringing an additional 7 astronauts on board. After exchanging greetings, the astronauts got right down to business, beginning the big task of attaching the new S3/S4 truss to the station and extending its solar wings.

The first step in this multi-day marathon occurred today, when the crew of STS-117 removed the truss segment from Atlantis' cargo hold. They used the shuttle's robot arm to guide the 13-metre (45-foot) truss out of the cargo bay and onto the station. It was connected into position on the International Space Station.

Astronauts will now conduct a series of three spacewalks to active the S3/S4 truss, and extend its solar array to bring enhanced power generation abilities to the station.

NASA Station News

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.