(CNN) -- Space shuttle Endeavour docked Sunday with the international space station, where the shuttle crew will help install more living space.
The shuttle also carrying mission specialist to replace Sandra Magnus station flight engineer Greg Chamitoff, docked at the station just after 5 pm ET about 212 miles above northern India.
Chamitoff, who has been on the space station for almost six months, welcomed his ride home with enthusiasm.
"You are beautiful," said Chamitoff by radio. "I'm smiling from ear to ear."
The seven crew members of the shuttle and station crew members were expected to greet each other at about 7 pm ET, after the opening of their vehicle doors.
Before docking, the shuttle did a nine minute backflip so station astronauts could take high-resolution images of the shuttle's thermal-protection system, NASA said. NASA will look at the pictures for damage caused on the Endeavor, which launched Friday.
It was a gash on the wing of the Columbia space shuttle that caused the destruction and death of seven astronauts during re-entry on February 1 2003.
During their stay, the astronauts to the station will increase the living space to accommodate room for six instead of three. They'll install more places to sleep, another bathroom, a better water supply system, more exercise equipment and a larger refrigerator.
The people aboard the space station is to grow to six next spring.
Also on tap are four space walks focusing on the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow the solar panels to follow the sun.
The shuttle is also transporting Thanksgiving dinner, turkey, candied yams, stuffing and dessert, as it won't be back to earth until November 29.
