Some time off planned for last space shuttle crew

[July 14, 2011]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- After nearly a week in orbit, the astronauts on NASA's last space shuttle flight will get some time off.

The crew of four will squeeze in a little more cargo hauling at the International Space Station on Thursday morning, then kick back and relax. The six station residents will enjoy some down time as well.

Several tons of food, clothes and other supplies were delivered by space shuttle Atlantis. All that needs to be hand-carried into the space station. The cargo carrier will be filled back up with old station equipment and trash for return to Earth next week.

Atlantis will leave the space station next week and head home to Florida. It's the last flight for NASA's 30-year shuttle program.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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