Shuttle Atlantis leaving space station after weeklong visit, supply dropoff

Shuttle Atlantis leaving space station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — It’s time for Atlantis and its seven astronauts to leave the International Space Station.

The shuttle will undock early Wednesday morning, then aim for a Friday landing.

Two of Atlantis’ crew are especially eager to get home.

Astronaut Nicole Stott has been in orbit since late August. She says she misses her husband and 7-year-old son, and being out in the sunshine. She’d also love a pizza.

NASA’s new dad in space, Randolph Bresnik, wants to see his baby daughter as soon as possible after the shuttle lands. Abigail Mae Bresnik was born Saturday night in Houston, shortly after his first spacewalk.

Bresnik says it was easy to focus on his job in orbit, while awaiting her birth. He says it helps being a Marine.