Shuttle Crew Loading Space Station

By Maggie Fox

Updated: May 29, 2013 | 11:18 p.m.
July 11, 2011 | 8:09 a.m.

IN SPACE - JULY 10: In this video screen grab provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NASA space shuttle Atlantis docks for the last time with the International Space Station July 10, 2011 in space. Atlantis has embarked on a 12-day mission to the International Space Station where it will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts. This will be the final launch of the space shuttle program, which began on April 12, 1981 with the launch of Colombia. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images) (NASA via Getty Images)

The space shuttle Atlantis, which tooks off for its final journey into orbit Friday, has docked with the International Space Station and its four crew are busy loading 9,000 pounds of supplies and equipment onto the station.

The shuttle is scheduled to stay in orbit for 12 or 13 days -- NASA wants to extend the mission if possible -- getting the space station fixed up.Most of the cargo is in a module called Raffaelo.

"The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello is packed with 9,403 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment, and other supplies – including 2,677 pounds of food - that will sustain space station operations for a year," NASA said ina statement.

The shuttle program is being retired after 30 years. NASA has been contracting out human space travel to private, U.S. companies. Until they can finish a new system for getting people into space, NASA will rely on Russian missions to get astronauts to and from the space station.

You can watch NASA's coverage here.

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