The Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station on July 10, positioning the astronauts for the work they would do on the shuttle program’s final flight. Here are a few photos released by NASA of that routine, yet momentous event.

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Southern Lights captured from spaceThis wide-angle view of Space Shuttle Atlantis’ final docking with the ISS shows the Shuttle’s cargo bay and part of the station including the solar array panel with Earth in the background. The brilliant green glow of the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, can be seen on Earth’s horizon.(Credit: NASA)

 

 

Astronaut Mike Fossum Transfers the Robotics Refueling Mission Payload during a spacewalk on July 12.Perched at the end of the ISS’ remote manipulator system’s robotic arm called the Canadarm2, NASA astronaut Mike Fossum holds the Robotics Refueling Mission payload during a spacewalk on July 12.(Credit: NASA)

 

 

Helmet view from astronaut Mike FossumAstronaut Mike Fossum took this self portrait, with the camera pointed toward his helmet, during a spacewalk on July 12 after installation of the Robotic Refueling Mission on a temporary platform on the International Space Station.