<p><br /> The crew of the space shuttle Atlantis have arrived at the International Space Station to deliver a new Russian module and spare parts needed by the crew.<br /> </p><p><br /> The six astronauts climbed through and hugged each of the six crew members on the International Space Station.<br /> </p><p><br /> The shuttle carried a Russian module called Rassvet, which is a combination of a research lab and docking port for Russian and European capsules. It is also delivering an equipment rack filled with fresh batteries, a spare communications antenna and a work platform for the station's robot arm.<br /> </p><p><br /> All the gear is to be installed by the shuttle crew during a trio of spacewalks this week.<br /> </p><p><br /> Atlantis blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday for what is expected to be its final mission before retirement.<br /> </p><p><br /> NASA plans to end its shuttle program, which began flying in 1981, due to cost and safety issues.<br /> </p>
