by yaska77
Kennedy Space Center is abuzz with activity as the countdown to the last ever shuttle launch continues.
Inspections had to be carried out after an amazing 50 lightning strikes in 20 minutes battered the KSC, with at least one bolt striking pad 39A where STS-135 Atlantis is being prepared. Thankfully the all clear was given after no damage was found.
A contact at the launch today confirmed NASA have changed their forecast from 40% (two days ago), to only a 30% chance of launch on time.
Lightning strike at pad 39A - Credit: NASA TV
This historic event currently has a lift-off scheduled for Friday 8th July at 11:26 EDT (15:26 GMT/16:26 BST).
We’ve got the NASA TV feed for you below (which will feature launch information in real-time), and we will update our Twitter feed and the blog as and when new developments occur.
Streaming Live video by Ustream
Keep watching this space, Atlantis will fly (eventually!) and we can all watch in awe and wonder at the power and beauty of a space shuttle launch, for the last ever time.
The shuttle program has been one hell of an emotional ride, but this launch will be just that bit more special…
History in the making people.
If you have Google Earth installed you can follow the shuttle from launch to landing via NASA (click here)
To watch NASA TV on the NASA site click here
