The arrival of the crew was met with applause

The crew of the shuttle Endeavour has been welcomed aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The hatches between the craft opened to bring together the largest number of astronauts ever assembled in orbit, 13.

Before docking, Endeavour back-flipped so the ISS could photograph it for any sign of damage, after foam peeled off during Wednesday's much-delayed launch.

The seven-strong crew are delivering the final part of a Japanese-built laboratory, spare parts and food.

They joined six astronauts already at the space station, for an 11-day visit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8155953.stm