NASA Launches Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-129

On November 17, 2009, NASA successfully launched the space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, designated ULF3, was pivotal in continuing the assembly and expansion of the ISS, as well as in furthering scientific research conducted aboard the station.

Mission Details

• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.
• Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104).
• Mission Duration: 10 days, 19 hours, 16 minutes.
• Orbit: Low Earth orbit

Crew

The STS-129 mission comprised a crew of six astronauts:

• Charles O. Hobaugh (Commander)
• Barry E. Wilmore (Pilot)
• Randolph Bresnik (Mission Specialist)
• Michael Foreman (Mission Specialist)
• Leland D. Melvin (Mission Specialist)
• Robert L. Satcher Jr. (Mission Specialist)

An additional Crew Member, Nicole Stott, who had been on the ISS since August 2009, returned to Earth aboard Atlantis.

Objectives

1. ISS Assembly & Maintenance: STS-129 was primarily tasked with delivering and installing External Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 to the ISS. These carriers contained critical spare parts, ensuring the ongoing maintenance and functioning of the space station.

2. Spacewalks: Three spacewalks were conducted during the mission to install additional equipment and perform routine station maintenance.

3. Return of Nicole Stott: The mission marked the return of Flight Engineer Nicole Stott from Expedition 21, providing an exchange of crew with the station.

Key Events

• Installation of Equipment: The crew successfully deployed new hardware essential for station operations, including spare gyroscopes, fuel tanks, and other vital components stored on the logistics carriers.

• Spacewalks: During the mission, the crew undertook three scheduled spacewalks to replace a depleted ammonia tank, install a new S-band antenna cable, and set up wireless video equipment.

Aftermath

The STS-129 mission was a critical step in fortifying the infrastructure of the International Space Station, enhancing its ability to support long-term missions and scientific research. By delivering essential spare parts and conducting critical maintenance, Atlantis helped ensure the station’s operational longevity until the planned increase in the commercial resupply efforts.

This mission was notable as one of the final few shuttle missions before the Space Shuttle program concluded in 2011, marking an era of transition towards greater international cooperation and private spaceflight contributions.