SPACEPHOTOS

(09/08/2000) --- Already suited up, Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio gives thumbs up for launch today. This is Mastracchio’s first space flight. Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to lift off 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall