Space Shuttle Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis (Orbiter Vehicle designation: OV‑104) is a retired Space Shuttle orbiter vehicle that was part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Space Shuttle program. Manufactured by Rockwell International in Southern California, Atlantis was delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in Eastern Florida in April 1985. It is notable for being the fourth operational and the second-to-last Space Shuttle built by NASA.
Missions and Achievements
Maiden Flight
Atlantis made its maiden flight on October 3, 1985, with the mission designation STS-51-J, a classified mission for the Department of Defense. This mission marked the beginning of Atlantis's extensive service in space exploration.
Notable Missions
Atlantis participated in numerous significant missions throughout its operational life. Some of the notable missions include:
- STS-27: Launched on December 2, 1988, this was the third flight of Atlantis. The mission was critical for deploying a reconnaissance satellite for the Department of Defense.
- STS-71: Atlantis was part of the Shuttle-Mir Program, a collaborative space program between the United States and Russia. The STS-71 mission marked the first Space Shuttle docking with the Russian space station Mir in June 1995.
- STS-125: Atlantis carried out the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope in May 2009, upgrading its instruments to extend its operational life.
Final Mission: STS-135
The final mission of Atlantis, designated STS-135, launched on July 8, 2011. This mission was originally not scheduled but later authorized in October 2010. STS-135 took advantage of the processing for the STS-335 Launch on Need mission that would have been necessary if the crew of STS-134 became stranded in orbit. Atlantis landed for the final time at the Kennedy Space Center on July 21, 2011, marking the end of the Space Shuttle program.
Retirement and Legacy
Following its retirement, Atlantis was moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where it is now on display. This exhibit allows the public to appreciate the technological marvels and contributions of the Space Shuttle program to space exploration and scientific advancement.
Role in the Space Shuttle Program
Atlantis played an integral role in the broader Space Shuttle Program, which was NASA's fourth human spaceflight program. The program aimed to provide reusable spacecraft for human space missions, significantly reducing the cost of space access. Other notable orbiters in the program included Space Shuttle Columbia, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Discovery, and Space Shuttle Endeavour.