NASA’s shuttle program is over, all three birds are safely home, and millions of us around the world watched in wonder (and a little sadness) knowing we would never see Atlantis and her sisters fly again.
I’ve watched replays of the launch more times than I care to admit and have seen the mission highlights shown on NASA TV many times too, so don’t be too surprised to see more NASA vids as time goes by!
Below you’ll find a half hour Atlantis “ascent highlights” video. Cameras mounted on the SRB’s (Solid Rocket Boosters) rolled from launch, through ascent, separation, and back again to splashdown in the Atlantic ocean.
We love this footage, it helps highlight just how brave and ingenious us human beings can be when everyone is focused on achieving the same goal.
In just a few hours NASA’s STS-135Atlantis will undock from the ISS for the very last time as the mission enters its final few days. Never again will we be able to witness the graceful “ballet” of the orbiter departing the station, separating so slowly yet both travelling over 17,000mph!
Undocking is due on Tuesday 19th July at 02:28 EDT (06:28 GMT/ 07:28 BST), followed by Atlantis performing a “flyaround” the station, both as a victory lap and to provide opportunity for a late inspection of the orbiter’s heat shield. Watch live on the NASA TV feed below.
If you have never seen an orbiter undock from the ISS it’s pretty awesome to watch, and as this sight will never be seen again it is likely to be quite an event. The NASA TV schedule for the undocking is as follows:
Atlantis undocks from ISS at02:28 EDT (06:28 GMT/ 07:28 BST)
Atlantis flyaround of ISS begins at03:27 EDT (07:27 GMT/ 08:27 BST)
Atlantis final separation from ISS at04:18 EDT (08:18 GMT/ 09:18 BST)
Late inspection of Atlantis TPS* at06:34 EDT (10:34 GMT/ 11:34 BST)
*Thermal Protection System
Landing is scheduled for Thursday 21st July at 05:57 EDT (09:57 GMT/ 10:57 BST), so don’t miss your last chance to see this beautiful spacecraft in operation, the shuttle has been iconic and will be greatly missed.
Remember you can also follow Atlantis on her way home through Google Earth (click here).
The last ever launch of NASA’s space shuttle blasted STS-135Atlantis into orbit yesterday. Weather concerns had worried mission controllers throughout the long countdown, but as the lift-off time approached the weather broke and all teams polled go for launch.
STS-135 Atlantis spears skyward and makes history (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The 135th and final space shuttle mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 11:29 EDT (15:29 GMT/16:29 BST) on Friday 8th July.
On its 12 day mission Atlantis will deliver 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS.
The thousands of spectators lining the roads and beaches around KSC began cheering as the countdown clock got closer to lift-off, but at T-minus 31 seconds the timer stopped.
During the 3 minute delay NASA technicians visually checked the complete retraction of the gaseous vent arm (which failed to automatically signify control of complete retraction), before the countdown resumed.
STS-134 Endeavour photographed during the "back-flip" manoeuvre (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA
Today the crew have carried out the first stage of visual inspections on the wing heat shields using the orbiter’s robotic arm, with the second stage “back-flip manoeuvre” on approach to the ISS due before docking on Sunday (at 11:07 EDT (15:07 GMT/16:07 BST).
NASA Technicians will then review the images taken and launch footage video to determine if any damage to the heat tiles has occurred.
When Atlantis returns to Earth it will signal the end of the 30 year space shuttle program, with all 3 remaining shuttles of the orbiter fleet being retired to museums.
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)
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.
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)
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!
