NASA has set April 13 as the tentative launch date for Space Shuttle Atlantis to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). The 11-day mission plan calls for delivery of supplies to the ISS and at least one spacewalk to prepare the station for arrival of a Russian service module this summer.

The mission is a stopgap effort due to launch delays of the Russian module which is supposed to provide power and attitude control for the station. Atlantis mission is to extend the life of another Russian module, currently in place, that provides power and guidance for the station. It is certified for flight only through March.

The crew of Atlantis is comprised of:

Commander -- James Halsell

Pilot -- Scott Horowitz

Mission specialists:

Mary Ellen Weber

Jeffrey Williams