The hatches have been closed, leak checks performed, and Expedition 28 members on the ISS have said goodbye to a shuttle crew for the very last time.
Hatches between the International Space Station and the space shuttle were officially closed for the final time at 10:28 EDT (14:28 GMT/ 15:28 BST) after a poignant farewell ceremony, having been open for seven days, 21 hours and 41 minutes.
Atlantis Commander Chris Ferguson thanks the Expedition 28 crew for their hospitality - Credit: NASA TV
Atlantis‘ crew spent the remainder of today preparing for Tuesday’s early morning undocking, before the station crew went to sleep at 13:29 EDT (17:29 GMT/ 18:29 BST), with the shuttle crew entering their sleep period half an hour later.
Undocking is sheduled for Tuesday 19th July at 02:28 EDT (06:28 GMT/ 07:28 BST) when STS-135 Atlantis will perform a “fly-around” the station, with a late inspection of the orbiter’s heat shield expected. Landing is due at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday 21st July at 05:57 EDT (09:57 GMT/ 10:57 BST).
We’ll be covering both undocking and the final shuttle landing here at Sky-Watching, so check back later for the NASA TV feed and additional information.
These sights will never be seen live again, history is being written before our eyes so let’s help ensure Atlantis and the shuttle program are given the send off they deserve!
Atlantis has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS), the last ever time a NASA orbiter will do so. Docking was confirmed on time at 11:07 EDT (15:07 GMT/16:07 BST) after a textbook approach.
STS-135 Atlantis docks successfully at the ISS - Credit: NASA TV
Hatches were opened and Atlantis’ crew; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, joined the resident Expedition 28 members at 12:47 EDT (16:47 GMT/17:47 BST).
STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson (centre) is greeted by Expedition 28 ISS crew - Credit: NASA TV
Atlantis is delivering 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS before undocking on Monday 18th July to return to Earth, with landing scheduled at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center for Wednesday 20th July at 07:02 EDT (11:02 GMT/12:02 BST).
Keep up to date on the progress of the last ever shuttle mission on NASA TV (schedule here), either from the video we featured in our last post, or direct on the NASA website.
NASA’s Atlantis is on approach to the Internation Space Station (ISS) as the shuttle prepares to dock for the last ever time on Sunday (at 11:07 EDT (15:07 GMT/16:07 BST).
The shuttle is performing a “back-flip” manoeuvre so ISS astronauts can take high resolution digital camera stills of the shuttle’s thermal protection heat shields. This will enable technicians on the ground to determine if any damage was caused during launch.
Docking may not be covered live on NASA TV, but the hatch opening is scheduled at 13:19 EDT (17:19 GMT/18:19 BST), although it could be earlier. It all looks to be happening so slowly, but remember the ISS and Atlantis are currently travelling at around 17,500mph! What a beautiful sight, the last time we’ll ever see this live.
You can also watch the last ever shuttle “spacewalk” live on 12th July starting around 09:10 EDT (13:10 GMT/14:10 BST), using the above player or…
Following the successful launch of STS-135 Atlantis on the last ever shuttle mission yesterday, you may want to keep tabs on its location while it orbits!
The NASA ISS Tracker also shows the current orbital location of Atlantis, first as it maneuvers to rendezvous with the International Space Station, and then when it undocks to head back to Earth (after completion of its mission objectives).
Click above to open tracker - Credit: NASA Human Space Flight (HSF) Orbital Tracking
There is also a Google Earth add-on available from the NASA site (click here) which shows the shuttle location in 3D, in real-time (updated using information direct from mission control).
Click above to visit NASA Google Earth add on - Credit: Google Earth/NASA
The famous Kennedy Space Center clock has started its countdown towards lift-off, but NASA weather forecasters are currently predicting only a 40% chance of launch this Friday 8th July at 11:26 EDT (15:26 GMT/16:26 BST).
Rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are currently expected, but NASA will continue to monitor the situation while its preparations continue.
STS-129 Atlantis (9 seconds after lift-off!) - Credit: NASA
Longer range forecasts show improving conditions as the weekend progresses, but with thousands of people expected to line the roads and beaches around KSC it could be too much of a gamble for many planning a long journey.
When it does launch, STS-135 Atlantis will be loaded with more than 3.5 tonnes of supplies for International Space Station (ISS), and will see the last ever Shuttle launch as the orbiter fleet is being retired.
Keep checking back for regular updates, and additional info may appear in our Twitter feed!
