Atlantis Commander Scott D. Altman gives a thumbs up as he prepares to board the orbiter before launch in this image from NASA TV May 11th, 2009. During the eleven-day missions five spacewalks, astronauts will install two new instruments, repair two inactive ones and perform the component replacements that will keep the telescope functioning into at least 2014.
I found these pictures of Alans birthday party on Facebook and decided they also belonged on my blog. I just wish we had thought to bring our own camera. If any of you faithful blog readers have any pictures you would like to share I would be happy to put them up as well.