Space Shuttle Atlantis had successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) following its lift-off on 14 May 2010.
STS-132 is carrying cargo, critical spare parts and a Russian laboratory to the station.
Atlantis also delivered the Russian-built mini research module-1, Rassvet, to provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.
The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station’s Zarya module.
The three spacewalks during the mission will store spare components outside the station including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm.
The shuttle is expected to fly back to earth on 26 May 2010 after completing the 12-day mission.
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By GlobalDataIt is the third of five shuttle missions planned for this year, which will culminate in the retirement of the iconic space craft.
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