Atlantis, Foale Say Goodbye to Mir
- Share via
HOUSTON — After dropping off a new computer and a new American crew member, the astronauts aboard space shuttle Atlantis hugged their Mir comrades goodbye Thursday.
Astronaut David Wolf, who will spend four months aboard the Russian space station, replaced Michael Foale, who will return to Earth on Sunday after a tumultuous 4 1/2 months aboard Mir.
“I’m looking forward to . . . learning how to walk again,” Foale said, “and live in my house with my wife and my children, get to know my wife again, date her again, maybe marry her again.”
The shuttle crew was scheduled to undock today. The Russians have asked that, as the astronauts depart, they watch while Mir cosmonauts pump air into the station’s ruptured lab in hopes of pushing debris out the holes. If the plan is approved, the astronauts will look for particles and report where the leak is located.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
A series of small-town dog killings was a prelude to the violence committed by one of California’s deadliest serial killers.
The stories behind the most compelling cases from the people who know them best.
From punchlines to policy, comedian Esteban Gast and Sammy Roth explore laughter as a powerful tool for change.
