by yaska77
In just a few hours NASA’s STS-135 Atlantis 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 at 02:28 EDT (06:28 GMT/ 07:28 BST)
Atlantis flyaround of ISS begins at 03:27 EDT (07:27 GMT/ 08:27 BST)
Atlantis final separation from ISS at 04:18 EDT (08:18 GMT/ 09:18 BST)
Late inspection of Atlantis TPS* at 06:34 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).
You can visit NASA TV direct by clicking here.
