US Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands Safely
February 20, 2008
The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis has landed safely on Earth after a two-week mission to expand the International Space Station. The shuttle touched down Wednesday morning at 9:07 a.m. EST, under cloudy skies at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The shuttle’s return path took it over the Pacific Ocean, Central America and the Gulf of Mexico.
Officials from the U.S. space agency NASA wanted Atlantis back as soon as possible to clear the way for the U.S. military to launch a missile intended to destroy a falling spy satellite. The Pentagon says the satellite is carrying toxic fuel that could pose a public health threat if it reaches the ground.
Defense officials have said that the shoot down attempt could take place as early as Wednesday night.
The Atlantis crew had been working with the crew of the International Space Station to install the European Space Agency’s $2 billion Columbus lab.
The returning astronauts include Daniel Tani, who has spent the last four months aboard the orbital outpost. His 90-year-old mother was killed in a car accident during his mission.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
by VOA News
[...] US Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands Safely The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis has landed safely on Earth after a two-week mission to expand the International Space Station … , Central America and the Gulf of Mexico. Officials from the U.S. space agency NASA wanted Atlantis [...]
[...] US Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands Safely The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis has landed safely on Earth after a two-week mission to expand the International Space Station … , Central America and the Gulf of Mexico. Officials from the U.S. space agency NASA wanted Atlantis [...]