Space Shuttle Atlantis Set to Dock With International Space Station

Atlantis is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station at 11:06 a.m. EST Sunday, two days after blasting off on a historic flight that marks the final liftoff of the U.S. shuttle program. A spokesman at CNN told Sunshine State News the network will carry the maneuver live.

Atlantis' job is to deliver supplies and spare parts to the space station, and pick up a broken pump so that it can be inspected back on Earth.

According to the NASA website, the crews of Atlantis and the space station will also research the potential for a space refueling system.

Space shuttle Atlantis lifted off Friday morning on its 12-day mission -- which now may be extended another day -- signifying the end of America's 30-year shuttle program, a thunderously poignant moment that drew people from around the world to watch.

CNN reported that some of the thousands of onlookers chanted "U.S.A." Others shed tears as Atlantis roared aloft atop its powerful rockets on what a NASA commentator called a "sentimental journey into history."