NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-106 on September 8, 2000, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marked a critical phase in the construction and resupply of the International Space Station (ISS). The Atlantis served as a cargo vessel, transporting necessary supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS. The STS-106 crew included seven astronauts who played an integral role in the mission's objectives, which focused on continued assembly and resupply efforts for the orbital laboratory. The shuttle was equipped to deliver a variety of essential provisions for future ISS missions and crew members.

During the mission, the astronauts conducted spacewalks to assist in the assembly and maintenance of the ISS modules. The mission was a pivotal prelude to the arrival of the first long-term residents aboard the ISS, which highlighted international cooperation in space exploration. The experience gained from STS-106 proved valuable for the subsequent phases of the ISS's development, contributing to important milestones in scientific research and engineering in microgravity environments.

STS-106 further validated the Space Shuttle program’s capabilities and reassured scientists and organizations regarding the feasibility of living and working in space for extended periods. The mission's success lay not only in its logistical achievements but also in its role as an essential link in the chain of preparing the ISS for its future as a hub of international space exploration.