The new space-to-ground antenna they installed will increase the space station's ability to conduct two-way data, voice, and video communications. They put into place a new tool platform for the Dextre robot, and Bowen prepared six batteries that will be installed during the second and third spacewalks by loosening the bolts that hold the batteries in place. The batteries weigh approximately 2,200 pounds.

Meanwhile, the space shuttle's robotic arm has successfully grappled the Mini Research Module-1 for relocation to the space station on flight day 5. It will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian spacecraft.

This was the first of three STS-132 spacewalks, 237th conducted by U.S. astronauts, the second for Reisman and the fourth for Bowen. It was the 144th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 900 hours, 58 minutes. First Spacewalk of STS-132 Complete

Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Stephen Bowen completed the first spacewalk of the STS-132 mission at 3:19 p.m. EDT. They installed a second station space-to-ground Ku-band antenna and a spare parts platform on Dextre, the two-armed robotic Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. The spacewalk lasted 7 hours, 25 minutes.

Reisman and Bowen began the spacewalk at 7:54 a.m. Mission Specialist Michael Good and Pilot Tony Antonelli, the intravehicular officer, assisted the spacewalkers from inside the orbiting complex. Support for robotic arm operations was provided by Mission Specialist Piers Sellers and Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson.

Meanwhile, Commander Ken Ham is overseeing the activities and work on transfer of supplies to the station.

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