(15 Nov 1995) English/Nat
The space shuttle Atlantis has docked successfully with the Russian space station Mir.
In a series of moves described by one astronaut as "a ballet of concentrated effort", both space ships joined while orbiting earth at over 17-thousand miles an hour.
`Atlantis' commander Kenneth Cameron made it look simple.
As he carefully guided his vessel over Mir early Wednesday morning, it was easy to forget both were 245 miles above the Earth and moving at 17-thousand-500 miles an hour (28-thousand kph).
Although it was the second time the two had linked, this mission was considered more complicated - and dangerous - because of the 15-foot docking tunnel jutting out of the shuttle cargo bay.
Cameron slowly steered Atlantis up and under Mir, avoiding the station's maze of solar panels.
A collision would have meant disaster - rupturing the two pressurised spacecraft and instantly killing all eight men aboard.
Cameron then fired the shuttle's jets to raise Atlantis, causing the ring to latch on to the tunnel.
Docking occurred right on time (0627 GMT), easing the tension in space and on the ground.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Atlantis has a picture-perfect rendezvous and docking. All of us down in the control centre thank you. You made our job easy - we enjoyed working with you."
SUPERCAPTION: NASA control room.
Wednesday's docking hinged on Cameron, a three-time space flier, Marine and former test pilot.
Like the first docking by Atlantis in June, this one required perfect timing, speed and alignment.
He could not see the end of his docking port while closing in on the sprawling, 120-plus-ton station.
He had to rely on remote-control cameras, radar and lasers.
With numerous solar panels sticking out of Mir, it was a hi-tech obstacle course.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.
The hatch joining the two craft opened and the two crews shook hands.
For the Russian cosmonauts, the meeting was more than symbolic - Atlantis is carrying fresh supplies and letters from their loved ones.
Keen to preserve the moment for history, a hasty photo-call was arranged.
The docking tunnel will be left behind on Mir when Atlantis pulls away Saturday to make the next five planned dockings easier.
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