Shuttle Docks at Space Station

The Atlantis docked with the international space station today, bringing with it a segment to be added to the station and the newest member of its crew. The arrival was marred by concern about a piece of thermal blanket on the shuttle that peeled back during launch;  ground control is trying to decide if it needs to be repaired before the Atlantis returns.

Because engineers believe the damage wasn't caused by debris impact, they are confident it can be fixed if need be. Shuttle resident Sunita Williams will be returning home after six months on the station, replaced by astronaut Clayton Anderson. (More space stories.)