The seven-member crew Tuesday is testing and preparing equipment needed to dock at the station. The crew is checking spacesuits, setting up television cameras and testing the shuttle's robotic arm.

 On Thursday, astronauts will go on the first of four spacewalks to install girders designed to support equipment and solar electricity-generating panels. The mission will last a total of 11 days.

 Atlantis blasted off Monday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, Florida, after a four-day delay because of a launch-pad fuel leak.

 Monday's launch marked a milestone, spacewalker Jerry Ross became the first person to fly in space seven times. Several American astronauts have flown in space six times.

 Security surrounding the space shuttle flights has been tightened since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Measures include keeping launch times secret until 24 hours before lift-off. 

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