The
European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory launched toward the
International Space Station (ISS) aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis on Feb. 7 as part of the U.S. agency's STS-122 mission.
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STS-122 Mission Elapsed Time
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Commanded
by veteran spaceflyer Stephen Frick, the seven-astronaut STS-122 crew launched aboard Atlantis 2:45 p.m. EST (1945 GMT) from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
During the
13-day mission, the STS-122 astronauts will perform spacewalks to
install the new Columbus laboratory to the starboard port of the space
station's hub-like Harmony connecting node and deliver a new member of the
outpost's Expedition 16 crew.
Below is SPACE.com's
special report of NASA's STS-122 mission. Stories appear in reverse
chronological order, with the most recent updates first. This page was last
updated on April 1, 2008.
Headed
Home
Columbus' Crew Home From The 'New World'
Having sailed in space for the past two weeks to install the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus science lab on the International Space Station, the crew of space shuttle Atlantis came home to Houston on Thursday.
Shuttle Astronauts Glad to be Home
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The seven astronauts of NASA's shuttle Atlantis were glad to be home Wednesday after a successful space station construction mission that ended with a smooth glide back to Earth.
Shuttle Flight Kicks Off Busy Station Construction Year
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With the successful Wednesday landing of NASA's shuttle Atlantis, the stage is set for a busy year of construction at the International Space Station (ISS).
Shuttle Atlantis Returns to Earth Safely
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The shuttle Atlantis and seven astronauts landed safely back on Earth Wednesday after a successful mission to deliver Europe's first permanent orbital laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS).
Space Shuttle Atlantis to Land Today
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA's shuttle Atlantis and seven astronauts are poised to return to Earth today to wrap up a nearly two-week mission that added a new European lab to the International Space Station (ISS).
Weather Looks Good for Wednesday Shuttle Landing
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Astronauts aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis are hoping for clear skies over Florida tomorrow as they near the end of a successful construction flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
Space Shuttle Crew Prepares for Landing
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Astronauts aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis are converting their spacecraft back into a 100-ton glider today as they gear up for a planned Wednesday landing.
Shuttle Astronauts Cast Off From Space Station
HOUSTON - The shuttle Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew cast off from the International Space Station (ISS) early Monday to begin the trip home after adding a new European module to the orbiting laboratory.
European Lab's Space Station Debut
Shuttle Astronauts Prepare to Leave Station
HOUSTON - The seven astronauts of NASA's shuttle Atlantis will say adieu to their counterparts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) Sunday as they prepare to head home after delivering a new European lab.
Astronauts Unfazed by Planned Spy Satellite Shot
HOUSTON Astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station (ISS) said Saturday that a plan to shoot down an ailing spy satellite poses no threat to their mission to install a European laboratory.
BLOG: The Shuttle Launch Date Shuffle
NASA's space shuttle Atlantis may still be in orbit, but the agency is already planning ahead with new launch dates for three missions set to lift off this fall.
Astronauts Focus Work on Station's New Columbus Lab
HOUSTON Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are forging ahead with the activation of the orbiting laboratory's new European research module.
NASA Readies Backup Shuttle Runway to Aid Spy Satellite Shot
HOUSTON NASA will call up a backup landing strip for the space shuttle Atlantis next week to give the U.S. military more leeway to shoot down an ailing spy satellite, mission managers said Friday.
Spacewalkers Prime Station's European Lab for Science
HOUSTON Two spacewalking astronauts primed the International Space Station's (ISS) new European lab for orbital science Friday by adding new experiments to its gleaming hull.
Astronauts to Outfit Station's New Lab for Science
HOUSTON - A pair of spacewalking astronauts will outfit the International Space Station's (ISS) new Columbus laboratory for science Friday when they add new experiments to the module's orbital porch.
BLOG: An Orbital Valentine for Dr. Love
You didn't have to look far to find love - Dr. Love, that is - in space this Valentine's Day.
Space Station's Columbus Lab in Ship Shape
HOUSTON Europe's shiny new lab at the International Space Station (ISS) is in fine shape, according to the astronauts that delivered the new module.
Shuttle Astronauts to Take Time Off During Busy Mission
HOUSTON The seven astronauts of NASA's shuttle Atlantis are spending Valentine's Day with their very own Dr. Love and are due for a break as they start up a new European lab at the International Space Station (ISS).
Shuttle Astronauts Upgrade Station in Spacewalk
HOUSTON Two shuttle astronauts swapped out a cooling system tank outside the International Space Station (ISS) in a Wednesday spacewalk, the first for German spaceflyer Hans Schlegel since an illness kept him from an earlier excursion.
Shuttle Astronaut to Return to Spacewalk Duty
HOUSTON German astronaut Hans Schlegel will return to spacewalking duty outside the International Space Station (ISS) Wednesday after sitting out on an earlier excursion due to a medical issue.
'Columbus' Compass,' Crew Mementos Ride Aboard Shuttle Atlantis
When Christopher Columbus left the shores of Spain in 1492, he sailed with the guidance of a compass as he sought a quicker route to the West via the east (unknowingly reaching the New World in the process).
Shuttle Astronaut Feeling 'Very Fine' After Malady
HOUSTON A shuttle astronaut pulled from a spacewalk earlier this week is feeling better as he and his crewmates continue what they called an "amazing" construction flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
Columbus' New Orbital Shore
BLOG: The Case of the Sick Astronaut
NASA did its best to protect the identity of a sick astronaut aboard the space shuttle Atlantis over the weekend, but when it leads to a major mission change it can pose a bit of a challenge.
Astronauts Open Space Station's Newest Lab
HOUSTON - Astronauts are opening the International Space Station's (ISS) newest laboratory for business Tuesday as they christen the European-built Columbus module delivered by the shuttle Atlantis.
Astronauts to Install Station's New European Lab
HOUSTON Astronauts will deliver Europe's first manned space lab to the International Space Station (ISS) in a spacewalk today, though with a different lineup than originally planned.
Shuttle Flight Back on Track After Astronaut's Illness
HOUSTON Atlantis shuttle astronauts took a close look at a torn insulation blanket on their vehicle's engine pod Sunday as mission managers officially extended their flight by one day due to a crew member's illness.
Astronauts Keep Busy After Spacewalk Delay
HOUSTON NASA hustled through the night to organize detailed plans for the crew of space shuttle Atlantis, following a medical issue with one of its crew members on Saturday.
NASA Delays Spacewalk Because of Medical Issue
HOUSTON NASA delayed a planned Sunday spacewalk outside International Space Station (ISS) because of medical concerns with a crew member, mission managers said.
Space Shuttle Docks at Space Station
HOUSTON Seven astronauts on board space shuttle Atlantis arrived at International Space Station (ISS) Saturday, delivering a massive European science lab and a fresh crew member to the growing orbital outpost.
Astronauts to Dock at Space Station Today
HOUSTON Seven astronauts chasing the International Space Station (ISS) will catch up today, delivering a shiny new science module and a fresh crew member to the orbital outpost.
Columbus Sets Space Sail
Station Astronauts Eager for Orbital Houseguests
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are rolling out the welcome mat for seven spaceflyers aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis.
Shuttle's Heat Shield Appears Undamaged, NASA Says
HOUSTON Seven astronauts chasing the International Space Station (ISS) will catch up today, delivering a shiny new science module and a fresh crew member to the orbital outpost.
Astronauts Inspect Shuttle Heat Shield for Dings
Astronauts aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis scanned their spacecraft's heat shield today for any signs of dings or divots as they prepare for a weekend arrival at the International Space Station (ISS).
Europeans Celebrate Successful Launch of Science Lab
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. After two decades of waiting, Europeans are celebrating the arrival of their first piece of orbital real estate in space.
Shuttle Atlantis Launches European Lab into Space
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. After two months of delay, a new Columbus voyage set sail aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis Thursday as seven astronauts rocketed toward the International Space Station (ISS) with a European-built lab.
Space Shuttle Atlantis to Launch European Lab Today
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Today is the big day for NASA's launch of space shuttle Atlantis maybe.
Europeans Eager to Launch Orbital Science Lab
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Europe's bus-sized science lab will soon make its zero-gravity debut after the launch of NASA's space shuttle Atlantis tomorrow, weather permitting.
Gearing Up for Launch
Weather Outlook for Tomorow's Shuttle Launch Worsens
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Tomorrow's launch of the space shuttle Atlantis has a 70 percent chance of getting rained out, NASA mission managers said this morning.
NASA: Space Shuttle on Track for Thursday Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is ready for a Thursday space shot attempt, mission managers said today.
'Dicey' Forecast Lingers for Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. A poor weather forecast continues to threaten a Thursday launch attempt of the space shuttle Atlantis, but NASA mission managers haven't thrown in the towel yet.
Foul Weather May Delay Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Dreary Florida coast weather might push back a planned Thursday launch of the space shuttle Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew, NASA mission managers said today.
NASA: Shuttle's Kinked Hose to be Stowed for Launch
NASA engineers have drawn up a plan to stow a kinked radiator hose aboard the shuttle Atlantis as the agency gears up for a Thursday launch toward the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA Eyes Kinked Space Shuttle Hose for Feb. 7 Launch
NASA's shuttle Atlantis is on target for a Feb. 7 launch so long as a kinked radiator hose doesn't put a crimp in the agency's plans.
Space Shuttle Atlantis on Track for February Launch
NASA's shuttle Atlantis is on track for an early February launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) after two months of delay to repair a suspect fuel tank connector.
Fuel Tank Sensor Repairs
NASA Sets Feb. 7 Launch Date for Shuttle Atlantis
NASA managers decided Friday to officially aim for a Feb. 7 launch of the shuttle Atlantis and delay another flight to mid-March as engineers work to replace an electrical connector on the orbiter's fuel tank.
NASA Eyes Feb. 7 Launch Date for Shuttle Atlantis
NASA managers are targeting a Feb. 7 launch date for the space shuttle Atlantis as engineers prepare to replace an electrical connector in the spacecraft's external fuel tank.
Shuttle Launch Date Slips as NASA Tackles Sensor Fix
NASA's launch of the space shuttle Atlantis has slipped to late January, with a push to early February likely, as engineers work to replace a faulty fuel tank connector, a top official said Thursday.
NASA Sets Plan for Shuttle Sensor Fix
NASA engineers will remove parts of a suspect fuel tank connector for analysis and repair, work that will likely further delay the planned January launch of the shuttle Atlantis, the agency's shuttle chief said Thursday.
NASA Delays Shuttle Fuel Sensor Repair Decision
CAPE CANAVERAL - Needing more time to study data, NASA is putting off a decision about how best to repair a faulty fuel sensor system in shuttle Atlantis until after Christmas.
NASA Tracks Shuttle Fuel Tank Sensor Glitch to Connector
NASA has pinned down the apparent location of an erratic fuel tank sensor glitch that foiled two launch attempts of the space shuttle Atlantis, the agency said Tuesday.
NASA Targets Jan. 10 for Next Shuttle Launch
WASHINGTON - NASA is now targeting Jan. 10 for the liftoff of the space shuttle Atlantis pending the resolution of fuel tank sensor issues that prevented two launch attempts this month, the space agency said Thursday.
NASA to Test Space Shuttle Fuel Tank
NASA will refill the space shuttle Atlantis' large external tank next week in hopes of isolating a sensor glitch that foiled two attempts to launch an orbital construction mission this month, the agency's shuttle chief said Tuesday.
NASA Renews Hunt for Shuttle Fuel Sensor Glitch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is back on the trail of an erratic fuel sensor glitch that forced the agency to delay launch plans for the space shuttle Atlantis until early January, mission managers said Sunday.
December Launch Delayed
NASA Delays Shuttle Launch to January After Fuel Sensor Glitch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA delayed the launch of the shuttle Atlantis to no earlier than January early Sunday after faulty fuel tank sensors foiled the planned space shot for the second time in less than a week.
Shuttle Astronauts to Make Second Launch Attempt Today
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After one false start, NASA's shuttle Atlantis and seven astronauts will again attempt to launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) today despite suspect fuel tank sensors that have delayed the mission for days.
NASA to Attempt Space Shuttle Launch on Sunday
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will attempt to launch the shuttle Atlantis and a European-built lab toward the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday despite suspect sensors inside the orbiter's orange external tank, top mission managers said today.
NASA Mulls Sunday Launch Plan for Shuttle Atlantis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA engineers are meeting today determine whether to go forward with the planned Sunday launch of the space shuttle Atlantis despite a suspect fuel tank sensor system.
NASA Targets Sunday for Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is now targeting Sunday as the earliest launch opportunity for space shuttle Atlantis as engineers wrestle with a fuel sensor glitch inside the orbiter's fuel tank.
NASA Weighs Sensor Glitch for Saturday Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA engineers are working to settle fuel tank sensor concerns for the space shuttle Atlantis today in order to clear the orbiter and a European lab for a Saturday launch toward the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA Targets Saturday for Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is now targeting a weekend launch for the space shuttle Atlantis and a new European lab after a fuel tank sensor glitch prevented a Thursday liftoff, mission managers said.
Fuel Sensor Glitch Prevents Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's shuttle Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew will have to wait at least one more day to rocket toward the International Space Station (ISS) with a new European laboratory after a sensor glitch thwarted a Thursday launch attempt.
Countdown to Launch
Space Shuttle to Launch New European Lab Today
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Seven astronauts and NASA's shuttle Atlantis are poised to rocket into space today to carry a European laboratory to its new orbital home at International Space Station (ISS).
European Hopes Ride on New Space Lab, Cargo Ship
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The future of Europe's human spaceflight program is riding on the successful Thursday launch of NASA's shuttle Atlantis carrying the continent's Columbus research laboratory, European space officials said Wednesday.
Space Shuttle Atlantis on Track for Thursday Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's shuttle Atlantis and a massive European laboratory are on track for their planned Thursday launch toward the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA: Space Shuttle Atlantis 'Go' for Thursday Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's shuttle Atlantis is ready to haul a new European laboratory toward the International Space Station (ISS) this week, top mission managers said Tuesday.
Weather Outlook Improves for Thursday Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla - The weather outlook has improved slightly for this week's planned launch of the shuttle Atlantis and a European lab to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA officials said Tuesday.
Shuttle Crew Arrives at NASA Spaceport
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The seven astronauts to launch aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis this week arrived at their seaside spaceport Monday as they prepare to haul a European laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS).
Weather Looks Good for Thursday Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The weather looks good for NASA's planned Thursday launch of the shuttle Atlantis and a European-built laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS), mission managers said Monday.
ISS Columbus
Lab Prepares to Set Sail
Space Shuttle Atlantis Set for Dec. 6 Launch
NASA's shuttle Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew are on track for a planned Dec. 6 launch to the International Space Station (ISS), mission managers said late Friday.
NASA Discusses December Launch Plan for Shuttle Atlantis
Top NASA officials are expected to set a firm December launch date today for the shuttle Atlantis and a European laboratory bound for the International Space Station (ISS).
Spacewalkers Wire up Space Station's New Room
Two spacewalking astronauts wired up the International Space Station's (ISS) newest room Saturday, capping a month-long marathon of work to prepare for the December arrival of a new European laboratory.
Spacewalkers Outfit Space Station's Newest Room
Spacewalking astronauts primed the International Space Station's (ISS) newest room for orbital flight Tuesday as they prepare to host a visiting NASA shuttle next month.
Astronauts Ready to Tackle Space Station Construction
A team of astronauts on Earth and in orbit are poised for a December spaceflight to haul a new European laboratory at the International Space Station (ISS).
Space Station's European Lab Set for December Launch
WASHINGTON - Seven astronauts and a European laboratory are on track to rocket toward the International Space Station (ISS) next month aboard NASA's shuttle Atlantis.
NASA Lifts Brief Ban on U.S. Spacewalks
NASA lifted a brief ban on U.S. spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS) Thursday after engineers cleared the orbital laboratory's spacesuits of potential fire-hazards, space agency officials said.
Astronauts Move Space Station's Vital Connecting Node
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) moved their orbital laboratory's latest addition to a new perch Wednesday as engineers on Earth studied a spacesuit glitch that may impact the crew's spacewalk plans.
NASA: Spacesuit's Smoky Smell Prompts Spacewalk Ban
NASA imposed a hiatus on spacewalks this week as engineers hunt for the source of smoke-like smell in a U.S. spacesuit used in a recent ground test.
Space Station Astronauts Move Shuttle Docking Port
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) equipped their orbital laboratory's newest addition with a shuttle docking port on Monday to prepare for the planned December launch of a European-built module.
Space Shuttle Atlantis Rolls to Launch Pad
The shuttle Atlantis rolled out to its Florida launch pad Saturday as NASA prepares for a December construction flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
Space
Station Crew Faces Construction Crunch
It's crunch time for
three astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they prime
their orbital laboratory for the planned December arrival of a new
European-built module.
NASA Prepares
for December Shuttle Launch
While the seven
astronauts aboard NASA's shuttle Discovery head back toward Earth, the agency
is already looking ahead to the planned December launch of its next flight to
the International Space Station (ISS).
Spacewalkers Prepare Space Station for Module Move
Spacewalking astronauts primed the International Space Station (ISS) for the upcoming move of two massive modules Friday as they continued construction of their high-flying laboratory.
Gateway
to Space Station's Future Reaches Orbit
Some gateways to
international progress, it turns out, look like giant tin cans that float in
space.
Priming ISS for Columbus
NASA Sets New
Shuttle Launch Targets for 2007
NASA aims to launch
four space shuttle missions by the end of the year, some aboard different
orbiters than originally planned, in order to continue assembly of the
International Space Station (ISS), mission managers reported late Monday.
Two European
Launches to Space Station Delayed
PARIS -- The launch
of Europe's
unmanned cargo vehicle to the International Space
Station aboard an Ariane 5
rocket has slipped to November, with Europe's shuttle-launched Columbus crew
laboratory shifting to December, under the tentative station schedule being
revised following the U.S. space shuttle's hail
damage-related delay.
NASA
Official: Five Shuttle Launches This Year a Challenge
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - NASA's goal of five space shuttle missions this year
may be too ambitious, the new director of Kennedy Space Center said Wednesday.
NASA
Sets Target Launch Dates for Three 2007 Shuttle Flights
NASA space shuttle managers formally
decided Thursday to push back the launches of three orbiter missions in 2007 to
allow extra time for spacecraft processing.
Image of the
Day: Science Lab In Space
Shown
here is the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, which will become one
of the principle manned modules of the International Space Station.
European ISS
Laboratory Arrives at NASA Spaceport
CAPE CANAVERAL - A
European science laboratory will be delivered to a Kennedy Space Center
processing facility today after a transoceanic trip aboard one of the largest
cargo aircraft in the world.
European
Space Agency Hails Completion of Columbus ISS Module
The lab, which took
10 years to complete, will be shipped to Cape Canaveral in the U.S. state of
Florida at the end of the month, and is scheduled to be flown aboard a space
shuttle to the station in the second half of next year.
Shuttle
Flight Delays Complicate European ISS Plans
The European Space
Agency (ESA) is hoping to minimize the impact NASA's decision to delay its next
shuttle flight will have on the organization's plans for the International
Space Station (ISS).
Europeans
Weigh Space Station Options
PARIS -- Europe has
begun evaluating its options in the event the U.S. space shuttle is retired too
early to launch the Columbus science laboratory, Europe's billion-dollar
showcase contribution to the international space station, European Space Agency
(ESA) Director-General Jean-Jacques Dordain said July 28.
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