They missed Thanksgiving, but seven astronauts returned from space in time for leftovers and post-holiday shopping on Friday.
Thanks to a rare, completely clear day at the Kennedy Space Center, weather was not an issue for shuttle Atlantis' homecoming after an 11-day mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. The mission went like clockwork, from its on-time launch to the precision landing by commander Charlie Hobaugh at 9:44 a.m. EST.
Homecoming was especially sweet for two astronauts aboard Atlantis: Nicole Stott is returning from a three-month assignment on the station. She'll be reunited with her husband and son later today. Atlantis spacewalker Randy Bresnik will be meeting his daughter for the first time. His wife gave birth on Sunday.
Atlantis' return leaves just five more shuttle flights remaining before NASA stops flying the ships for good. All five missions are scheduled to be finished by Oct. 1. Tick-tock ....
(Thankful for good weather, NASA lands shuttle Atlantis on Friday, wrapping up the 129th mission in shuttle program history. Credit: Spaceflightnow.com via NASA Television.)
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