Update: Space Shuttle Atlantis Makes a Heroic Re-entry

UPDATE: As excited onlookers cheered on, Atlantis - the last of NASA’s space shuttle program heroes made a re-entry, for the last time. Making a safe landing at the Kennedy Space Centre, at 5: 57am, the Atlantis had taken off on July 8th, 2011 with a crew of four astronauts onboard. Atlantis will now retire, but will continue to live on to tell its heroic tales to enthusiasts at the Kennedy Space Centre, which will now be its permanent address. Adieu Atlantis!

Breaking through the dawn!

UPDATE: Amidst rising speculations about weather being uncompliant with NASA’s final Space Shuttle launch, Atlantis made a heroic exit. However, even at the final juncture, the countdown clock was stopped (around T-31 seconds), owing to a technical snag, but, enthusiastically resumed soon after. The launch of Atlantis marks the end of NASA’s glorious 30-year Space Shuttle program. 

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Farewell, Atlantis!

On July 8th, 2011, Space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to embark on what is going to be the last in NASA’s glorious 30-year space shuttle program history. Carrying a team of four astronauts, and a supply package, along with spare parts to the International Space Station, Atlantis is scheduled to launch from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Shrouded in uncertainty…

However, on the eve of the NASA’s final shuttle, according to a report on Space.com, worries of the weather not being compliant, may lead to scrapping of the scheduled launch, and setting it to another day. But, the officials are optimistic and believe that all they need to make that perfect launch is that one hole in the cloud. And, quoting Launch Director, Mike Leinbach who disregards delays, “We want to play the game Friday.” So, a Friday is all that we wait for.