This image provided by NASA shows a high angle view of the Cupola, backdropped against the darkness of space and Earth’s horizon, and some components of the International Space Station. The astronauts making NASA’s last shuttle flight turned into moving men and garbage haulers Wednesday July 13, 2011 with no time to dwell on their place in space history, after enjoying a special salute from the original “Rocket Man,” Elton John.(AP Photo/NASA)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a hectic week in orbit, the astronauts on NASA’s last space shuttle flight got some time off Thursday to savor their historic experience.
“This is one of the first days we’ve been able to take a deep breath and appreciate what we’re doing up here,” said space shuttle Atlantis’ commander, Christopher Ferguson.
The 10 astronauts aboard the linked Atlantis and International Space Station lingered over the “all-American meal” of grilled chicken and barbecued beef brisket that NASA packed for them, complete with baked beans and Hostess apple pie.
NASA urged the public to share in the virtual dinner, publishing the recipes online in advance.
In a series of TV interviews, Ferguson said the space station delivery mission was going well and that the back-and-forth cargo hauling was three-quarters completed.