KSC-2010-2456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' rear landing gears are extended and appear to hover over the clean room floor during processing of the shuttle. Changes to the thermal protection system tiles on the periphery of the landing gear doors necessitate that the gears be extended to ensure the doors open properly without obstruction. The practice is standard procedure between shuttle flights. The six-member crew of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission will deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and the Russian-built Mini-Research Module-1, known as Rassvet, to the International Space Station. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, Rassvet will be permanently attached to the Earth-facing port of the Zarya control module. Rassvet, which translates to 'dawn,' will be used for cargo storage and provide an additional docking port to the station. STS-132 is the 34th mission to the station and the 132nd shuttle mission overall. Launch is targeted for May 14. For information on the STS-132 mission, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts132_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni Woods