The final flight of a shuttle icon to the stars

Space · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On May 14, 2010, the space shuttle Atlantis took off for its 32nd and final mission. This journey wasn't just another trip; it was a high-stakes delivery of Russian modules and critical hardware that expanded the International Space Station's reach into the orbital frontier.

STS-132 served as a pivotal logistical bridge between international space agencies. The primary objective was the delivery of Rassvet, a Russian-built Mini Research Module (MRM-1). The Zarya Functional Cargo Block's Earth-facing port was intended to host this pressurized part, which Russians called 'dawn'. By adding Rassvet, the mission provided the International Space Station with essential cargo storage and an additional docking port for future missions.

Beyond the Russian hardware, Atlantis carried an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC). This unpressurized flat bed pallet and keel yoke assembly acted as a mobile worksite, allowing crew members to transfer exterior cargo from the shuttle to the station. During the mission, three spacewalks were conducted while docked. These extravehicular activities included installing a spare antenna and a stowage platform, replacing batteries on the P6 Truss that store solar energy, and retrieving a power data grapple fixture for later use.

The technical execution relied heavily on the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2. Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Piers Sellers operated the arm to maneuver both the ICC and the Rassvet module into their final positions. The six-member crew—led by Commander Ken Ham and Pilot Tony Antonelli—spent 11 days, 18 hours, 29 minutes, and 9 seconds in space, traveling approximately 4.8 million miles before landing at Kennedy Space Center on May 26, 2010.

This mission marked the 34th shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It represented a significant milestone in orbital construction, ensuring that the station could support more complex operations and longer-duration stays for future astronauts by expanding its physical footprint and power infrastructure.

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