STS-135 - The Final Space Shuttle Mission

Cosimo · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:05

Edit: Landing is set for Thursday 21 July at 10:56 BST (05:56 EDT).

Edit: We are now set to go Friday 8 July at 16:26 BST (11:26 EDT).

After thirty years of space shuttle missions STS-135 is the final mission. It will be the 33rd and final flight for space shuttle Atlantis.

Space shuttle Atlantis' 12-day mission to the International Space Station will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired. The mission also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to robotically refuel satellites in space, even satellites not designed to be serviced. The crew also will return an ammonia pump that recently failed on the station. Engineers want to understand why the pump failed and improve designs for future spacecraft.

The final launch is targeted for launch on Friday, 8th of July at 12:06 BST (07:06 EDT).

Here is where to watch it:

The new NASA TV link

NASA TV in HD on UStream

The Spaceflight Now link

Another 1200kbps stream

Mission information:

STS-135: Mission Summary

STS-135: Atlantis Fact Sheet

Atlantis leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for the last time:

On its six hour journey from the VAB to the pad:

Atlantis secured at launch pad 39A:

Join me in following this historic mission and looking back at the space shuttle era.

Cosimo · 16 Jun 2011 at 11:20

Space Shuttle Atlantis Tribute

This tribute to space shuttle Atlantis, OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

It features, Atlantis soaring above Earth. Threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis' flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125.

The planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing in addition to significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71.

The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis' STS-125 mission needed rescue. Also, this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time.

The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle's success.

Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo

The full size one is here.

Cosimo · 22 Jun 2011 at 10:08

Preparations for launch are progressing. The crew arrived yesterday to have their final training and launch rehearsal. The payload including the Rafaello module have now been loaded aboard Atlantis. Work continues with scanning the external tank for defects. The flight readiness review will take place next Tuesday.

Cosimo · 28 Jun 2011 at 18:13

Cosimo · 29 Jun 2011 at 07:58

The flight readiness review has given the go for launch. We are now set to go Friday 8 July at 16:26 BST (11:26 EDT).

Cosimo · 30 Jun 2011 at 08:12

Fireskull said:
Booked my flight tickets today got entrance to the Kennedy Center and Tour to see it on the launchpad on the 4th

Very excited, just need to sort somewhere to stay in Titusville on the 7th now....

To say I'm envious would be an understatement.

Have a great trip and don't forget that we need lots of pics.

Cosimo · 1 Jul 2011 at 13:57

Cosimo · 3 Jul 2011 at 07:56

Cosimo · 4 Jul 2011 at 14:05

There are no reported issues. The crew will arrive later today and the countdown clocks will start at 18:00 BST (13:00 EDT) tomorrow.

Cosimo · 5 Jul 2011 at 18:23

Ok, the clocks are ticking, no technical issues but the forecast for Friday is a little dodgy.

Cosimo · 5 Jul 2011 at 18:37

PermaBanned said:
Well a delay wouldn't exactly be unheard of would it?

Just think I could have some extra time on the beach.

Cosimo · 6 Jul 2011 at 07:51

Cosimo · 6 Jul 2011 at 14:11

Launch forecast now down to 30% favourable for Friday. At 40% for Saturday and 60% for Sunday.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 09:09

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 09:12

Although fueling is underway the forecast remains at only 30% favourable conditions for launch today.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 10:10

We are now in a planned two hour hold. Current weather conditions are in a no go state.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 13:19

Crew are boarding and fingets crossed for the weather.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 15:22

Watching it on CNN at the moment.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 15:24

Weather looks like it is turning for go.

Cosimo · 8 Jul 2011 at 15:45

AcidHell2 said:
Green for go ATM

All fingers crossed here.