The space shuttle 'Endeavour' successfully docked with the International Space Station on Sunday evening, DPA reported. The shuttle reached the ISS a few minutes earlier than planned at 2202 GMT and NASA ground control said the docking high above northern India took place without problems. The seven-member crew received a warm welcome from the three- member ISS crew as the hatch between the two crafts was opened. "Welcome Endeavour," said ISS commander Michael Fincke. "We understand that this house is in need of an extreme makeover and you're the crew to do it." The shuttle brings with it a slew of home improvements, including an exercise machine, a second toilet, two sleep stations and a water recycling pump to turn urine into drinking water. The shuttle crew is also bringing two food warmers and a larger refrigerator. The upgrades to the space station's living space should enable it to house six residents on longer-term assignments - an increase from the current three - after the retirement in 2010 of the US fleet of aging reusable orbiters. Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson said his crew was looking forward to celebrating the ISS's 10th anniversary on November 20.
