NASA astronaut Sandy Magnus “swims” in the weightlessness of space as she is surrounded by an “ocean” of supplies and equipment in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module which brought supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station crew in this photo provided by NASA and taken July 11. — Reuters/NASACAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – After a hectic week in orbit, the astronauts on NASA's last space shuttle flight got some time off Thursday to savor their historic experience. “This is one of the first days we've been able to take a deep breath and appreciate what we're doing up here,” said space shuttle Atlantis' commander, Christopher Ferguson. The 10 astronauts aboard the linked Atlantis and International Space Station lingered over the “all-American meal” of grilled chicken and barbecued beef brisket that NASA packed for them, complete with baked beans and Hostess apple pie. NASA urged the public to share in the virtual dinner, publishing the recipes online in advance. In a series of TV interviews, Ferguson said the space station delivery mission was going well and that the back-and-forth cargo hauling was three-quarters completed. Atlantis was performing flawlessly, he noted. “Atlantis is purring like a kitten,” he said. “I think she's about 25 years or so old, but she performs just like a newborn.” Atlantis first rocketed into orbit in 1985. This is its 33rd flight and the 135th shuttle mission overall. Atlantis will join Discovery and Endeavour in retirement, following its landing next week. Atlantis delivered nearly 5 tons of food, clothes and other household goods in a giant canister to the International Space Station — an entire year's worth of supplies. NASA wants the orbiting lab well stocked in case private companies fall behind in their effort to take over shuttle supply runs.
