Space

DATE=07/14/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SHUTTLE-SPACE STATION (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-278218

BYLINE=DAVID McALARY

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S space shuttle Atlantis has docked with the international space station, bringing the outpost a new gateway for spacewalkers. V-O-A science correspondent David McAlary reports.

TEXT: Atlantis commander Steve Lindsey and his four colleagues connected to the station while orbiting high over South America, getting an immediate greeting from station crewman Jim Voss.

/// VOSS LINDSEY ACT ///

[VOSS:] Welcome to station.

[LINDSEY:] Thank you, Jim. We're glad to be here.

/// END ACT ///

After opening the hatches between them and exchanging handshakes and hugs, the combined eight-member crew began transferring cargo, and testing the robot arms on both craft.

The crew will need both the robot arms and three spacewalks to mount a new 58-hundred kilogram passageway on the outpost, and four oxygen and nitrogen tanks to pressurize it.

The portal will serve as a dressing and equipment room for spacewalkers to embark on future station assembly and maintenance activities in the periods between shuttle visits.

Until now, all spacewalks have taken place from shuttles.

Atlantis will remain at the station for one week. (SIGNED)

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