Atlantis - NASA STS 135 - The Final Space Shuttle Flight

The final flight of the three decade long Space Shuttle program, featuring STS 135 Atlantis, launched just before noon on Friday, July 8, 2011.

For many members of Main Street USA, especially those who grew up in the 1950’s and have watched the evolution of space travel and exploration, STS 135 marks the end of an era that may never be replaced. Below photo: Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.



This blogger was with a group of friends at Cape Kenney for the launch of STS 86 Atlantis, on Sepember 25, 1997, and we all watched in awe as the boosters propelled the craft from the launch pad into space. It was truly a spectacle to behold.

However, it appears that those fortunate individuals witnessing STS 135 will be the last of the breed.



Hopefully, Congress, in its infinite wisdom, will rapdily bring back a space program that has contributed in many ways to America.

Until then: R.I.P. Space Shuttle.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

NASA Shuttle Endeavor STS-134 Launch

The Endeavor is the next to last time that Main Street USA will have the opportunity to witness a Space Shuttle rocket into space.

After 30 years the NASA program is coming to an end.

And that is sad. The technological benefits that have been developed during the past three decades as a result of NASA's work have been immense.

Suffice it to say, there are many Americans who do not wish to see this program end, despite the cost. However, the cost is less that annual foreign aide that our country sends overseas.

Here then, is the NASA video of the launch:

The final flight is scheduled in July 2011 with Atlantis.

This blogger was fortunate enough to have been on hand September 25, 1997, as the Atlantis Mission, STS-86, launched from the Kennedy Space Center. It was a spectacle to behold.

Over For Now.

Main Street One