Astronauts step out on first spacewalk

Atlantis crewmen Michael Foreman and Dr Robert Satcher Jr floated outside on Thursday morning to hook up a spare antenna and cables on the International Space Station.

They also will tackle some other chores during their six-hour outing, which is expected to end about 2100 GMT (0800 AEDT Friday).

It is the first spacewalk for Satcher. He became the first orthopaedic surgeon in space when Atlantis blasted off earlier this week.

Three spacewalks are planned during the shuttle's weeklong visit.

The astronauts have already unloaded several tonnes of pumps, tanks and other big spare parts.

MESSENGER

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