#1 Click this link to see 2009 News Photos page --> 05/19/2009

Atlantis Commander Scott D. Altman gives a thumbs up as he prepares to board the orbiter before launch in this image from NASA TV May 11th, 2009. During the eleven-day mission’s five spacewalks, astronauts will install two new instruments, repair two inactive ones and perform the component replacements that will keep the telescope functioning into at least 2014.

I’ve been paying a bit more attention to this space mission than usual because Scott Altman is from our #Local area. I don’t know him but my brother Alan went to school with him and his familiarity has rubbed off on me a bit. I guess this is Scott’s last mission and it is good that he finish up as mission commander. Scott Douglas “Scooter” Altman #ScottAltman MjL