U.S. shuttle Endeavour docks with space station

Source: Xinhua | 11-17-2008 07:54

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- After a nearly-two-day pursuit, the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour arrived at the International Space Station and docked with it at 5:01 p.m. EDT (2201 GMT) on Sunday, according to NASA TV.

The U.S. space shuttle Endeavour arrives at the International Space Station and is ready to dock with it on Sunday. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The space linkup occurred under the shroud of darkness as both spacecraft passed over the Earth's night side. Commander Christopher Ferguson was at the controls of space shuttle Endeavour docking to the station's Harmony Node.

The station and shuttle crews will open the hatches between their vehicles and greet each other in about two hours.

The first priority for the 10 astronauts, once united, was a crew member swap. Sandra Magnus, who arrived aboard Endeavour, will switch seatliners with station astronaut Greg Chamitoff and replace him as Expedition 18 Flight Engineer.