The final hatch closes on a week of orbital cooperation

Space · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Watch the transition as two distinct groups of astronauts conclude their joint mission at the International Space Station, shifting from collaborative research to the journey home.

This video captures the conclusion of the STS-132 shuttle mission, where six crew members prepared to depart the International Space Station. After spending a week working alongside Expedition 23, Commander Ken Ham and his team began the transition back to Earth.

The departing astronauts—including pilot Tony Antonelli and four mission specialists—prepared for their return voyage aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Their departure marked the end of a specific period of orbital teamwork before they were scheduled to land on May 26.

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