 |
 |
| Customize a free digital slideshow |
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER -- Space shuttle Atlantis is on its way to orbit for the last time.
Atlantis and an experienced crew of six blasted off at 2:20 p.m. Friday in front of the largest launch-day crowd in years.
More than 40,000 guests gathered along the Space Coast, all of them eager to catch one of the few remaining shuttle flights.
Atlantis, on its 32nd and final flight, is carrying a full shipment of gear bound for the International Space Station. It should reach the orbiting complex Sunday, May 16.
Only two shuttle flights remain after this one. Discovery is due to fly in September, followed by Endeavour in November.
Once the shuttles are retired, NASA will leave station deliveries to commercial companies and other countries, and focus on trips to asteroids and Mars.
Atlantis and an experienced crew of six blasted off at 2:20 p.m. Friday in front of the largest launch-day crowd in years.
More than 40,000 guests gathered along the Space Coast, all of them eager to catch one of the few remaining shuttle flights.
Atlantis, on its 32nd and final flight, is carrying a full shipment of gear bound for the International Space Station. It should reach the orbiting complex Sunday, May 16.
Only two shuttle flights remain after this one. Discovery is due to fly in September, followed by Endeavour in November.
Once the shuttles are retired, NASA will leave station deliveries to commercial companies and other countries, and focus on trips to asteroids and Mars.
It was a perfect day for the launch. A most thrilling experience each time we see the shuttle lift off from our coastal waterways. Breathtaking!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
