Shuttle Atlantis - end of an era

[Rico]

The end of an era approaches.  On Friday, July 8, at 11:26 a.m. EDT (1526 GMT), the space shuttle Atlantis will lift off on the 135th and final space shuttle flight ever. After that, NASA's three space shuttles will be retired to museums while NASA focuses on getting humans to Mars.  A good article at the link below for those thinking of trying to attend the launch.  It's been an amazing ride and I hope this last mission is a great success to end the program with.

http://www.space.com/12148-nasa-final-shuttle-launch-viewing-tips.html

[Bryancd]

Bitter sweet to say the least...

[Rico]

Yep.  Pic of the crew.

[Bryancd]

Is that the whole crew? Where are the other 3? Huh, I just went to the NASA web site, it is only 4. Very interesting, I can't recall the last time they sent a 4 person crew up except for the first few shuttle flights back in the early '80's before they had mission specialists.

[turtlesrock]

i watched an episode of NOVA yesterday about shuttles. all about Columbia and Challenger. it was interesting.

[Rico]

Is that the whole crew? Where are the other 3? Huh, I just went to the NASA web site, it is only 4. Very interesting, I can't recall the last time they sent a 4 person crew up except for the first few shuttle flights back in the early '80's before they had mission specialists.

Yep, total crew of four this time.

Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim.

[billybob476]

Hope no issues developed...

NASA is checking for any damage to space shuttle Atlantis or the launch pad after a possible lightning strike.

Atlantis is poised to blast off Friday on the very last shuttle flight. Thunderstorms, however, are threatening to keep the shuttle grounded.

On Thursday, heavy rain and storms pelted the Florida launch site. Early in the afternoon, NASA reported a possible lightning strike within one-third of a mile (half a kilometre) from the pad.

Technicians are checking for damage to the electrical systems.

The shuttle has yet to be fueled for its historic mission. And the four astronauts won't board until Friday.

Launch time on Friday is 11:26 a.m

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/07/07/technology-atlantis-lightning.html

[billybob476]

And on a more sci fi-related note....

Composer Debuts Fanfare Honoring Final Shuttle Mission


WASHINGTON -- Emmy-nominated composer Bear McCreary, known for his television scores, has composed a fanfare specifically to commemorate the final space shuttle flight. After composing four seasons of music for a television show set in space, creating music inspired by a historic NASA mission was a natural fit. The composition will be played first on Friday morning at the NASA launch TweetUp.

People viewing the launch from some of the other locations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will also be able to hear the composition.

McCreary composed the music for the television series Battlestar Galactica; The Walking Dead; Eureka; Human Target; and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He also worked with film music legend Elmer Bernstein, who composed the music for The Magnificent Seven and The Ten Commandments.

NASA has worked with artists since 1962, when Administrator James E. Webb invited a group of artists to illustrate and interpret agency missions and projects. Artists, songwriters, musicians and playwrights have offered their unique perspectives on spaceflight ever since. NASA also has a long and storied connection with pop culture, frequently working with creators of science fiction films and television programs to discuss science fact.

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jul/HQ_M11-139_Launch_Music.html

[Rico]

Launch is set still for today, July 8th at 11:26am EDT.  The four member crew is already aboard Atlantis.  Have a great mission folks.   :usflag

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

[Poodyglitz]

So weird to think that we won't be sending our own people up anymore.

[turtlesrock]

So weird to think that we won't be sending our own people up anymore.

but we will be going into space somehow, right? just not with shuttles?

[QuadShot]

So weird to think that we won't be sending our own people up anymore.

but we will be going into space somehow, right? just not with shuttles?

Not for some time. They haven't ironed out the details, or budget, of a new fleet of any kind yet.

[billybob476]

I thought the the Russians, ESA and Japan would be taking over launch vehicles for the time being (at least to the space station).

[Poodyglitz]

I thought the the Russians, ESA and Japan would be taking over launch vehicles for the time being (at least to the space station).

I'd heard that the Russians are going to send up vehicles. This is the first I'm hearing about the others. So weird to think that Americans will be bumming rides from others. It's a humbling thought.

[Bryancd]

So weird to think that we won't be sending our own people up anymore.

but we will be going into space somehow, right? just not with shuttles?

Not for some time. They haven't ironed out the details, or budget, of a new fleet of any kind yet.

No, we will be sending crew up to the ISS using the Russian Soyuz launch vehicles. Those are the only current manned launch vehicles flying, the rest are cargo launch vehicles..