Well here we are, our penultimate astronomy advent calendar image for 2011 already. It seems to have passed in a blur!
This year saw the end of something that I’ve been aware of for pretty much my entire life. A regular memory throughout my childhood was the thrill of seeing one of NASA’s space shuttles launch, and many around the world share the same emotional attachment to what is still one of mankind’s most fantastic achievements.
Day 23
Astronomy Advent Calendar 23rd December - The iconic shuttle Atlantis spears skyward, and into history (click to enlarge, it's big!) - Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The last ever launch of NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) blasted into orbit on 8th July 2011.
The 135th and final space shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center (on a 13 day mission delivering supplies to the ISS) with thousands of spectators lining the roads and beaches nearby.
2011 saw all three functional orbiters (Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis) retired as the 30 year shuttle program was brought to a close. The shuttles have spearheaded our reach out into space, having been a major tool used in the construction of the ISS to carrying incredible satellites and space telescopes into orbit.
But the awesome sight of a shuttle launch will never be seen live again.
As an extra treat for those shuttle enthusiasts among you, here’s a link to a special feature length NASA Shuttle Documentary, narrated by none other than Captain Kirk himself, Bill Shatner
Maybe watch it while waiting to finish your day at work. No one else is doing anything, so it’s fine!
Christmas Eve tomorrow, and our last advent calendar image for this holiday season (and it’s a cracker!)
Day three in our astro advent calendar count-down, highlighting our favourite pictures from all we’ve posted on the blog throughout the year!
Day 3
Astronomy Advent Calendar 3rd December - Atlantis is backdropped by the Aurora Australis (click to enlarge) - Credit: NASA
One of the STS-135 Atlantis crew members took this beautiful photo of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) while visiting the International Space Station in July this year.
The orbiter boom sensor system crosses the image (as it was attached on the end of the shuttle’s robotic arm), and the port side wing of Atlantis is on the right.
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).
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.
