WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates, right, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William H. Gerstenmaier, center, and other NASA mission managers monitor the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis and the STS-132 mission from Firing Room Four of the NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Control Center, Friday, May 14, 2010 in Cape Canaveral Florida. Space shuttle Atlantis is embarking on its final planned mission. During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and six astronauts will fly to the International Space Station, leaving behind a Russian Mini Research Module, a set of batteries for the station's truss and dish antenna, along with other replacement parts. Atlantis' 32nd flight is scheduled to last 12 days and include three spacewalks and extensive robotics work.