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May 25, 2010 / 1:35 PM

Atlantis prepares for its last landing

This NASA image shows astronauts Michael Good (left) and Garrett Reisman as they look through the aft flight deck windows of space shuttle Atlantis during the mission's third spacewalk, May 21, 2010. During the spacewalk, Good and Reisman completed the installation of the final two of the six new batteries for the B side of the port 6 solar array. In addition, the astronauts installed a backup ammonia jumper cable between the port 4 and 5 trusses of the station and transferred a power and data grapple fixture from the shuttle to the station. UPI/NASA

1 of 2 | This NASA image shows astronauts Michael Good (left) and Garrett Reisman as they look through the aft flight deck windows of space shuttle Atlantis during the mission's third spacewalk, May 21, 2010. During the spacewalk, Good and Reisman completed the installation of the final two of the six new batteries for the B side of the port 6 solar array. In addition, the astronauts installed a backup ammonia jumper cable between the port 4 and 5 trusses of the station and transferred a power and data grapple fixture from the shuttle to the station. UPI/NASA | License Photo

HOUSTON, May 25 (UPI) -- Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew are preparing to return to Earth for the shuttle's last landing from space.

Shuttle Cmdr. Ken Ham, pilot Tony Antonelli and astronaut Mike Good performed a test of the flight control system Tuesday and a "hot fire" of the reaction control system in preparation for the landing. Astronauts Garrett Reisman, Steve Bowen and Piers Sellers worked on final packing and stowage activities throughout the day.

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The shuttle is ending its last mission into space -- a 12-day trip to the International Space Station. NASA managers said they will evaluate weather conditions at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before clearing Atlantis for a landing.

Wednesday's landing opportunities at Kennedy are at 8:48 a.m. and 10:22 a.m. EDT, NASA said. If Atlantis is unable to land Wednesday, additional opportunities are available at Kennedy Thursday at 9:13 a.m. and 10:48 a.m.

There are also opportunities Friday at Kennedy and at the backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

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