Atlantis astronauts finally get to relax in orbit, only 1 more spacewalk remaining

Atlantis astronauts finally get to relax in orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The Atlantis astronauts finally get a chance to relax in orbit, following two grueling spacewalks.

Only one spacewalk remains for the shuttle crew, on Friday. The astronauts will finish installing batteries at the International Space Station.

Two of the crew replaced four space station batteries during Wednesday’s spacewalk. They also fixed a loose station antenna and freed a snagged cable on the end of the shuttle inspection boom.

The six shuttle astronauts get time off Thursday. Station commander Oleg Kotov will open up the newly installed Russian compartment. He’ll wear a mask to protect against any floating dust or other debris.

Atlantis delivered the new chamber, which is named Rassvet, Russian for Dawn.