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On Orbit => Real NASA Space Shuttle Missions => Topic started by: Admin on June 01, 2011, 12:43:41 PM

Title: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on June 01, 2011, 12:43:41 PM
With STS-135, the STS era will come to an end.

This last mission was made possible by using the reserve funds available for rescue missions. Since the need for a reserve rescue mission ended with STS-125, these funds are used now for adding the last Atlantis and the last STS flight.

Wishing Atlantis and the STS program a glorious closure of this chapter in humanity's Space Exploration.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Steven on June 01, 2011, 04:12:07 PM
With STS-135, the STS era will come to an end.

This last mission was made possible by using the reserve funds available for rescue missions. Since the need for a reserve rescue mission ended with STS-125, these funds are used now for adding the last Atlantis and the last STS flight.

Wishing Atlantis and the STS program a glorious closure of this chapter in humanity's Space Exploration.

/Admin

They haven't ended, per se... there was LON (Launch On Need) support for STS-134, should Endeavour gotten a bit of unrepairable damage, Atlantis would have launched to save her crew.

Let's pray that's not needed for Atlantis, as they'll have to be rescued by Soyuz, as there's no more external tanks for Shuttle.

I forsee this thread being a somber one, the last flow on LC-39a for the Shuttle era, the best one yet in my opinion.  Beautiful girls, too bad they'll have to be retired to a museum.
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Admin on June 01, 2011, 04:29:58 PM
With STS-135, the STS era will come to an end.

This last mission was made possible by using the reserve funds available for rescue missions. Since the need for a reserve rescue mission ended with STS-125, these funds are used now for adding the last Atlantis and the last STS flight.

Wishing Atlantis and the STS program a glorious closure of this chapter in humanity's Space Exploration.

/Admin

They haven't ended, per se... there was LON (Launch On Need) support for STS-134, should Endeavour gotten a bit of unrepairable damage, Atlantis would have launched to save her crew.

Let's pray that's not needed for Atlantis, as they'll have to be rescued by Soyuz, as there's no more external tanks for Shuttle.

I forsee this thread being a somber one, the last flow on LC-39a for the Shuttle era, the best one yet in my opinion.  Beautiful girls, too bad they'll have to be retired to a museum.

AFAIK, depending on that "unrepairable damage". That means that Atlantis would have launched only in the case Endeavour wasn't able to safely dock with the ISS.

If it was, then the crew would have returned with Russian rides.

That really reduces the chance of a LON for flight-to-ISS missions.

It will be a somber thread allright and soon, it will become strange and sad speaking about the STS in the past tense.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Cras on June 01, 2011, 09:01:50 PM
During the roll-out press conference last night, the Atlantis crew said that should the Shuttle become disabled during launch somehow, that the final crew member would get home something like 9 months later, having to wait his turn on the ISS for an open Soyuz seat.

But we all know that won't happen.  Already got my name on the list for tickets.  It really will be very sad to think there are no more shuttles.  It is still hard for me to think that now two of those famous shuttles are out of service.  No more Discovery, no more Endeavour, and soon no more Atlantis. 

But we do have Orion to look forward to.  Hopefully in five years or so we will see Astronauts going up in a new spacecraft from KSC.
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Pocci on June 15, 2011, 11:03:25 PM
Interesting fact, I found on Spaceflight Now:
The most forward left cylinder (right after the dome) of the left SFB has been used on STS-1.
http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts135/fdf/135srbs.pdf

/Armin
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Cthulhus on June 16, 2011, 07:35:51 PM
Interesting found ! Thanks !
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Pocci on June 17, 2011, 01:28:43 AM
And here a little story together with a photo of both booster upper cylinders and nose cones:
http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts135/110418srbs/

/Armin
Title: Re: STS-135
Post by: Steven on June 17, 2011, 04:09:37 PM
It also looks like 4 pieces were flown on STS-107 as well.  Just another interesting note.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 05, 2011, 01:28:42 AM
OK gang - this is it: the last STS mission.

Everything's looking good for a launch this Friday and roughly two weeks later, all will be over. The Shuttle will retire for good, together with our memories and excitement of following its mission in almost real time.

Four more days...

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cthulhus on July 05, 2011, 02:25:44 AM
OK gang - this is it: the last STS mission.

Everything's looking good for a launch this Friday and roughly two weeks later, all will be over. The Shuttle will retire for good, together with our memories and excitement of following its mission in almost real time.

Four more days...

/Admin

Thanks... Usually, I'm excited by a new launch... But not for this one ... But Anyway, God speed Atlantis ! This mission will be perfect for all our memories !
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Steven on July 05, 2011, 04:35:41 AM
Yeah, STS-133, STS-134, and now STS-135 haven't excited me too much - only because I know they are the last of each Shuttle.  They are exciting, but it's sad to see this program shutting down.

The crew is in Florida now, and in quarantine for launch.  Godspeed to both the vehicle and crew on this final mission.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cras on July 05, 2011, 09:56:27 PM
Since the weather looks to be quite bad on Friday, I think we will have a stay of execution of the Shuttle program for just a little longer.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: wrxracer1983 on July 05, 2011, 10:47:21 PM
I seriously hope the forecast I just saw changes.  It shows scattered t-storms for the next 10 days...
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 08, 2011, 08:50:26 AM
"Zero Days to Launch" (weather permitting)

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: simking on July 08, 2011, 01:00:13 PM
Interesting STS 51 is also part of the boosters and the return to space STS 52.I see 107 as well. It almost looks like at least 1 part of every STS mission was mixed into the pieces..
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 06:51:09 PM
Quote
Launch Director Mike Leinbach completed a weather briefing with Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters, Ascent Flight Director Richard Jones and the Spaceflight Meteorology group in Mission Control in Houston. While weather remains dynamic, Leinbach told the launch team, "We do have a shot at this today."

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

I keep my fingers crossed for a launch on time :)

---

Although this is a moment I was waiting for for many years (because it frees up resources for a new program if politicians take the right decisions), I fear that this launch will be quite an emotional one for me still. Anyhow I grew up with the Shuttle. Whilst every flight into space is historical, this one will be a very special one beside STS-1. It's the last flight of long and a massive program. I wish the crew a good go, all the very best, and a lot of fun up there.

NASA TV high bitrate stream:

http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=1368163
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 07:14:55 PM
Okay. The weather currently is only 30% "go", or 70% "no go", like a glass of water can be half full or empty ;D The sky above the pad doesn't look very well. There is only clouds but no blue sky at all. Other than Launch Director Mike Leinbach I am not that much optimistic for a launch today ???
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 08, 2011, 07:30:50 PM
Same here...
/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 08:28:07 PM
Wow. They've had STS-1 commentator Hugh Harris there. And I have to admit that when the closeout crew held their program goodbye cards into the camera inbetween, it slightly was a wet-eye moment.

Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 08:41:08 PM
T-45 minutes and the weather currently is "go". Let's hope it stays "go"!
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cthulhus on July 08, 2011, 08:54:37 PM
Should we must really a want a "go" here ? I'm a bit egoist and don't want to let her go...  :-\
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 08:58:11 PM
Should we must really a want a "go" here ? I'm a bit egoist and don't want to let her go...  :-\

lol

I also was thinking that it wouldn't be too bad really if they get another try tomorrow so that we can witness the final launch preparations a second time ;D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 09:03:46 PM
It still doesn't look like a "synchronised abort" today ;D

Only 23 minutes to go...
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 09:42:59 PM
What a phantastic final launch. At T-31 seconds I was holding my breath. But they resumed just a little later. Amazing 8)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 08, 2011, 10:06:16 PM
What a phantastic final launch. At T-31 seconds I was holding my breath. But they resumed just a little later. Amazing 8)

This was Atlantis' way of saying goodbye :)

She was playing "hard to get" - LOL!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: simking on July 08, 2011, 10:26:26 PM
Well that's All folks a lot of employees packing their desks and lockers today add another say thousand to the jobless market..thanks oBUMa I thought he said he could CREATE jobs YES WE CAN....NOT a bitter sweet day for America.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Skunkworks on July 08, 2011, 10:28:45 PM
Wow, this is emotional. An end of an era...!

Farewell Atlantis and the Space Shuttle era. You will truly be missed, but will live in our memories forever.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 08, 2011, 11:36:49 PM
What a phantastic final launch. At T-31 seconds I was holding my breath. But they resumed just a little later. Amazing 8)

This was Atlantis' way of saying goodbye :)

She was playing "hard to get" - LOL!

/Admin

At least she tried ;D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 09, 2011, 01:14:14 PM
Moments...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgrabois/

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: IceManHG on July 10, 2011, 12:21:14 AM
I just managed to watch the launch on TV at work. I ran into the auto dealership I work in and saw it. Its the end of an era but there is more to come. Remember that.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: ragle_bagle on July 10, 2011, 07:49:40 AM
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/th_642f7ad3.jpg)

This was my view of launch from the causeway at KSC!!! Awesome day!! :)

Sorry for the small picture, I will upload better and bigger photos later.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 10, 2011, 08:58:09 AM
...

This was my view of launch from the causeway at KSC!!! Awesome day!! :)

Sorry for the small picture, I will upload better and bigger photos later.

Please do :)

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 10, 2011, 08:22:54 PM
I also would like to see a bigger picture of it :)

---

Anyway, we are just about 50 minutes away from docking right now. The pitch maneuver was nice. I've got everything recorded. But at the moment I'm still editing my recordings from the launch day to make a ~30 min video for launch impressions of the final Shuttle launch. I will load it up on youtube (2 parts probably) and post it here of course.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 10, 2011, 09:14:36 PM
Docking complete. That's it. The Shuttle has arrived on the ISS for the very last time in our lifes.

But the docking actually wasn't worth to be recorded. One could see only those boring video still images of the docking mechanism. But at least the audio was nice.

Does anybody here watch the mission at all? It's so silent...
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 10, 2011, 09:18:25 PM
Contact, capture, dampening and rigidizing underway.

The last ever Shuttle docking to the ISS.

Atlantis, the first shuttle to dock with MIR, is also the last to dock with the ISS.

Three years ago I got a Shuttle model gift from NASA. It happens to be the Atlantis. How funny life is, considering that the last ever STS mission was supposed to be Endeavour's STS-134 :)

Now, my Atlantis model has an even more special meaning to me.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 10, 2011, 09:22:03 PM
Has any of you done a synch docking now? I managed to match NASA's timing with an error of +2s :) - I assume a 5s streaming delay.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 10, 2011, 09:35:10 PM
Has any of you done a synch docking now?

No, sadly not. I'm busy with recording NASA TV ;D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 10, 2011, 10:57:19 PM
Hatch open! Last STS/ISS crews meet and greet. As things look now, this is also the last time a NASA-owned and operated spacecraft docks with the ISS. From now on, the next meets and greets will only happen with crews coming up with Soyuz spacecraft, and then with the first commercial, non-gov LEO platforms, certified for routine manned missions to the ISS. The estimated gap for that event is 2-3 years.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 10, 2011, 11:13:21 PM
The live coverage was awesome. It's amazing how good the quality of the pictures is one can get live from space these days. I'd say thanks to the TDRSS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System). The interior sound we could hear also was great. As you might know, I like interior sounds for certain purposes... 8)

From now on, the next meets and greets will only happen with crews coming up with Soyuz spacecraft, and then with the first commercial, non-gov LEO platforms, certified for routine manned missions to the ISS. The estimated gap for that event is 2-3 years.

This is at least a little consolation whilst we will miss STS. The moment of first commercial crew meet and greet certainly will be interesting to watch and historic anyway. It will fill the painful gap until we see NASA lifting something manned up again.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 10, 2011, 11:18:26 PM
...<SNIP>... It will fill the painful gap until we see NASA lifting something manned up again.

You mean "until we see NASA lifting something MANLY up again." LOL.

That of course depends mainly on what Prez will steer the US after the coming elections.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 11, 2011, 08:01:07 AM
...<SNIP>... It will fill the painful gap until we see NASA lifting something manned up again.

You mean "until we see NASA lifting something MANLY up again." LOL.

;D

That of course depends mainly on what Prez will steer the US after the coming elections.

If he remains in the office at all (which, honestly, I hope not).
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 11, 2011, 03:09:51 PM
MPLM OPS started.

Today, the SSRMS will grapple the Rafaello MPLM and connect it to the ISS. Following the attachment and pressurization of Rafaello, the crew will start moving close to 5t of equipment and life-support items to the ISS, and unneeded/faulty equipment and garbage back to Rafaello, to be brought home and studied/disposed of. This will be the last MPLM ops ever.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 11, 2011, 04:50:47 PM
1970s Russian space junk will come close to the ISS/Atlantis assembly:

Space Junk Could Buzz Atlantis and Space Station : Discovery News
http://news.discovery.com/space/space-junk-could-buzz-atlantis-and-space-station-110711.html

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 12, 2011, 11:19:36 AM
STS-135 extended by one day. Astros get one more day to move garbage, but I'd absolutely commit to dust the entire station, from the inside and out, just to BE there.

If I sound envious, it's because I am!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 13, 2011, 12:30:49 AM
STS-135 extended by one day.

That's a great bonus, and I think certainly for the entire team in orbit and on ground as well.

If I sound envious, it's because I am!

Honestly, I would even cut a finger or a toe away just for being up there right now. It's certainly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places humans have ever created (all cost and science criticism aside, we are no economists anyway :)). No religiously driven irrationality or greed for money or another evil/s****d human thinking and behaviour going on. Just rationality and progress, and a view down to earth which I think is incomparable to any other view on earth. I would love to even sleep and live only inside cupola for a while 8)

Now I can say that the ISS actually is a big consolation once Atlantis has landed and STS is history. There are still exciting years to come aboard ISS. It might be serviced into late next decade I think...

---

By the way, finally I got some time to edit and upload a video of the NASA TV STS-135 prelaunch and ascent. For those who missed the launch on NASA TV or just want to watch it once again:

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjkH6VPcy1U&feature=channel_video_title

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlZ19y0uSuo&feature=channel_video_title
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 13, 2011, 09:58:36 AM
Yes, that view of Earth from above is worth very effort. Thanks for the videos  :)

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 13, 2011, 10:34:39 AM
Thanks for the videos  :)

You're welcome. It's actually my personal remembrance of the last Shuttle mission which I luckily was able to witness live on NASA TV. And why not share with the rest of the world :)

Yes, that view of Earth from above is worth very effort.

I know it's a little off topic, but I think that even taking a look to earth from 70,000 feet is worth it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJoMDq4AyLc
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 13, 2011, 10:43:46 AM
I prefer 230 miles :)

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 13, 2011, 10:47:08 AM
I prefer 230 miles :)

Me too. But I think you also wouldn't refuse to take a seat in the Lockheed U-2 ;)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 13, 2011, 11:03:33 AM
I prefer 230 miles :)

Me too. But I think you also wouldn't refuse to take a seat in the Lockheed U-2 ;)

More realistically (if money is no issue), on a Virgin Galactic ballistic flight.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: ragle_bagle on July 13, 2011, 07:15:15 PM
Here are some of my pictures!!!! More to come later

(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/Launch.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSCF1626.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSCF1624.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSCF1623.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSCF1622.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSCF1605.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 13, 2011, 07:50:44 PM
Nice set RB! Thank you for posting!

It looks like you were on the shore at Titusville, near Kennedy Point Park, correct?

And of course, you stocked yourself with a nice set of souvenirs too! I imagine that the KSCVC Gift Shop had a great week ;)

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cthulhus on July 13, 2011, 08:54:52 PM
Nice pictures !
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: ragle_bagle on July 13, 2011, 09:33:34 PM
Nice set RB! Thank you for posting!

It looks like you were on the shore at Titusville, near Kennedy Point Park, correct?

And of course, you stocked yourself with a nice set of souvenirs too! I imagine that the KSCVC Gift Shop had a great week ;)

/Admin

This was at the Causeway along the Bananna River :)

And yes the KSCVC was crazy busy!!! Lines wrapped around the entire store, luckily I got all of my gear early because we thought the roads would be really busy but of course they weren't. :D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 14, 2011, 06:41:40 AM
I prefer 230 miles :)

Me too. But I think you also wouldn't refuse to take a seat in the Lockheed U-2 ;)

More realistically (if money is no issue), on a Virgin Galactic ballistic flight.

;D

Here are some of my pictures!!!! More to come later

...


Nice images. I wish I was there. Never will get the chance but maybe sometime in future whan NASA will be back :)

By the way, I came across a nice private video which shows the launch from the KSC press site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycKdnM1DTi0&feature=channel_video_title
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 14, 2011, 06:49:06 AM
And phantastic HD videos showing the final rollover and rollout of Atlantis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pafmHbBcFrw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIbjAptOtQI
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 19, 2011, 12:39:23 PM
The last flying Space Shuttle is leaving the ISS for the last time.

At this end we did the sep in real time. It was emotional and very sad.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 19, 2011, 01:36:28 PM
The ISS performed a 90 deg yaw maneuver - a first in a sea of "lasts" - permitting Atlantis to take shots of previously undocumented sections of the ISS during a TORVA manuever.

Now Atlantis is in the midst of the half loop Fly Around - the very last performed by a Space Shuttle.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 19, 2011, 07:41:27 PM
The last flying Space Shuttle is leaving the ISS for the last time.

At this end we did the sep in real time. It was emotional and very sad.

The ISS performed a 90 deg yaw maneuver - a first in a sea of "lasts" - permitting Atlantis to take shots of previously undocumented sections of the ISS during a TORVA manuever.

Now Atlantis is in the midst of the half loop Fly Around - the very last performed by a Space Shuttle.

I missed it sadly :'(

But somebody will upload it on Youtube I hope, if not NASA as well :)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: wrxracer1983 on July 20, 2011, 05:19:57 AM
Man, those are awesome shots!  I was at the VC with only my digital cam, couldn't zoom nearly as well as those.  But here is one of my better ones.(http://<a href="http://s1181.photobucket.com/albums/x434/wrxracer1983/?action-view&amp;current=Atlantis.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x434/wrxracer1983/Atlantis.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: wrxracer1983 on July 20, 2011, 05:23:34 AM
Woops, jacked that up.  Here it is for real!

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x434/wrxracer1983/Atlantis.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 20, 2011, 08:03:48 AM
Straight as an arrow...

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Augustus on July 21, 2011, 12:56:09 AM
And tomorrow it's all over. :'(
Farewell Atlantis and the Shuttle Programme.
At least I have a little souvenir: The Face in Space certificate for STS-135...
Does somebody know what they a doing now (20.55 MET) ?
Edit: If I am not wrong the orbit stage is now coming to an end.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 21, 2011, 01:05:29 AM
And tomorrow it's all over. :'(

Sadly yes. Only a little less than 15 hours left of this historic final flight. Luckily the ISS stays in orbit at least ;D Just imagine there wouldn't be the ISS. It would be a really bad day for human space flight.

If I am not wrong the orbit stage is now coming to an end.

What do you mean by orbit stage?
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Augustus on July 21, 2011, 01:22:03 AM
They are going to prepare for deorbit.
My english is not really good, so I'm just watching NASA TV and recording.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 21, 2011, 01:59:04 AM
See our post on our Facebook page.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 21, 2011, 04:15:54 AM
They are going to prepare for deorbit.
My english is not really good, so I'm just watching NASA TV and recording.

Don't be worried because of your English. It's actually well understandable ;) I was only confused by the term orbit stage. But you just meant that the earth orbiting stage of the mission is coming to an end. Maybe I was the s****d one ;D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 21, 2011, 11:57:03 AM
The very last Space Shuttle mission is coming to an end in 4 hours.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cthulhus on July 21, 2011, 01:50:22 PM
Who know? It's not maybe the last flight ... Keep hoping sorry ! Can't simply imaging it's the end...  8)
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 21, 2011, 03:06:30 PM
Atantis now leaving the skies of Australia. Landing in 50 minutes.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: davidsyd on July 21, 2011, 04:09:03 PM
It was raining heavily in Sydney tonight.
I went and stood in the yard anyway and wished her well. The program fueled my imagination from age 12.
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on July 21, 2011, 04:22:36 PM
Welcome home Atlantis! We are proud of you and the hundreds of thousands of supporting crews and teams that you represent!

Very sad that tomorrow, about 1,500 people will be fired at NASA and more to follow after the Shutles are mothballed and on display :(

/Admin
Title: Atlantis Tribute video
Post by: FAAmecanic on July 21, 2011, 09:25:47 PM
Hey all  (wow..I have been gone a long time).  Im back into ssm2007 with the sad but wonderful launch of the last shuttle mission.

A buddy of mine (that used to work as a trainer in the Shuttle Flight Sim, and now works for a major aerospace company) sent me this link....Very nice!

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=102186381
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 22, 2011, 01:17:52 AM
Welcome home Atlantis! We are proud of you and the hundreds of thousands of supporting crews and teams that you represent!

Well said.

And from now on, all we see, read, and hear about the Shuttle, is history... :-[

I'm very glad the vision keeps on going at least on this place here.

Very sad that tomorrow, about 1,500 people will be fired at NASA and more to follow after the Shutles are mothballed and on display :(

And isn't it even up to 8,000 all in all within the following month?

I hope some of them will find a nice job somewhere else in the aerospace industries, maybe supporting NASA's new program in the future...
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: ragle_bagle on July 27, 2011, 09:01:23 PM
Here are my better pictures of launch that I just got a couple days ago, enjoy.....

(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00849.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00850.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00848-1.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00862.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00861.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00860.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00858.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00854.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00853.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00852.jpg)
(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad208/ragle_bagle/STS-135%20Atlantis%20Final%20Launch/DSC00851.jpg)

Sorry for posting a lot of what seems like the same pictute, but I figured that all pictures of the shuttle are amazing!!!
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Cthulhus on July 27, 2011, 09:06:02 PM
Thanks for sharing ! Nice pics !
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: DenisFerrari on July 28, 2011, 03:18:33 AM
Great pictures of that very last Space Shuttle launch from pad39a!
LoL
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Yossarian1943 on July 28, 2011, 03:51:10 AM
Nice shots, only the great sound is missing.  :D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Moonwalker on July 28, 2011, 06:09:43 AM
Nice shots, only the great sound is missing.  :D

Well, turn your speakers up, and listen to this while looking at the images...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsRuJ37kyZg

;D

Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Yossarian1943 on August 05, 2011, 06:02:42 AM
Nice shots, only the great sound is missing.  :D

Well, turn your speakers up, and listen to this while looking at the images...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsRuJ37kyZg
;D
Yeeeehhhaaaaa! I know that video. Best ringtone for my portable.  ;D
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: simking on August 08, 2011, 03:53:03 AM
ADMIN can we move the photos and videos to a final shuttle launch thread sticky?

I was a little upset the landed her in the dark almost shameful should have been in brod daylight for all to see
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on August 08, 2011, 09:12:25 AM
ADMIN can we move the photos and videos to a final shuttle launch thread sticky?

I was a little upset the landed her in the dark almost shameful should have been in brod daylight for all to see

Huh? This thread already is the "final shuttle" mission thread - including the launch! And it's been a sticky since the mission began.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: endeavouraman on August 14, 2011, 08:53:11 AM
I was talking about seeing the final launch as a member of the media with the @SSM2007 Twitter account, and they mentioned that I should write about my experience here. I wrote an article for a different website and figured I'd share it here with the rest of the SSM community to read. You can check the website part of my profile to see the media I'm associated with and to hear my launch coverage, but I hope everybody enjoys and that this brings back some great memories of the STS-135 mission and the space shuttle program.
http://boingboing.net/2011/07/26/don%E2%80%99t-tell-me-the-sky-is-the-limit-when-there-are-footprints-on-the-moon.html
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on August 14, 2011, 11:26:13 AM
Amazing piece Sawyer!

A great story which proves how challenging, inspirational and motivational manned Space Exploration really is.

I hope that we all get to see humans taking off towards exploring new worlds. Even the Moon is a valid objective - we need to leave there more than footsteps ;)

Thank you for sharing!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-135 - the last STS mission
Post by: Admin on August 15, 2011, 03:41:27 AM

Many shuttle workers forced to move on

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/7696144.html

/Admin