Story Created:
Nov 19, 2009 at 11:34 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Nov 19, 2009 at 3:37 PM EDT
Astronauts are taking the first spacewalk of their shuttle mission.
Atlantis crewmen Michael Foreman and Dr. Robert Satcher Jr.
floated outside Thursday morning to hook up a spare antenna and
cables on the International Space Station. They also will tackle
some other chores during their six-hour outing.
It is the first spacewalk for Satcher. He became the first
orthopedic surgeon in space when Atlantis blasted off earlier this
week.
Three spacewalks are planned during the shuttle's weeklong
visit.
The astronauts have already unloaded several tons of pumps,
tanks and other big spare parts. All the gear should keep the space
station operating well past next year's shuttle retirement next
fall.
