The Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on its final mission, STS-135, on July 8, 2011, marking the conclusion of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. This mission was pivotal in delivering essential supplies and equipment to the International Space Station (ISS), ensuring its continued operation and research capabilities. The mission's activities on July 18, 2011, were particularly significant, involving the closure of hatches between Atlantis and the ISS, signaling the end of a week-long collaborative effort in space.

Overview of STS-135 Mission

STS-135 was the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program, launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The primary objective was to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, filled with over 8,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts, to sustain ISS operations after the retirement of the space shuttles. Additionally, the mission aimed to demonstrate the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), an experiment designed to test tools and techniques for robotically refueling satellites in orbit. The crew consisted of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. They were joined by the ISS Expedition 28 crew, including Commander Andrey Borisenko and Flight Engineers Alexander Samokutyaev, Ron Garan, Sergei Volkov, Satoshi Furukawa, and Mike Fossum. The mission lasted 12 days, 18 hours, and 28 minutes, covering over 5 million miles. ([nasa.gov](

Activities on July 18, 2011

On July 18, 2011, the Atlantis crew and the ISS crew engaged in critical operations to prepare for the shuttle's return to Earth. The day's activities included the following key events:

  • Closure of Hatches: At 9:28 a.m. CDT, the hatches between Atlantis and the ISS were closed, ending seven days, 21 hours, and 41 minutes of docked operations. This marked the conclusion of the collaborative efforts between the two crews in transferring supplies and conducting joint experiments. ([](
  • Undocking Preparations: Following the closure of the hatches, the Atlantis crew began preparations for undocking, scheduled for approximately 1:30 a.m. CDT on July 19. This involved installing the centerline camera and checking rendezvous tools to ensure a safe departure from the ISS. ([](
  • Farewell Ceremony: Before returning to Atlantis, Commander Ferguson presented a small U.S. flag that had flown on STS-1 to the ISS crew. This flag was to remain on the station until an astronaut launched in a U.S. spacecraft returned it to Earth, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Space Shuttle Program. ([](

Significance of the Mission

STS-135 was not only the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program but also a testament to the collaborative efforts between NASA and its international partners. The successful delivery of supplies and the RRM experiment underscored the importance of international cooperation in maintaining and advancing human presence in space. The mission's activities on July 18, 2011, highlighted the meticulous planning and execution required to ensure the safe return of the shuttle and the continued success of the ISS. ([](

Conclusion

The events of July 18, 2011, during the STS-135 mission, were pivotal in concluding the Space Shuttle Program. The closure of hatches and preparations for undocking marked the end of a significant chapter in human space exploration. The mission's success demonstrated the effectiveness of the Space Shuttle Program in supporting the ISS and paved the way for future endeavors in space exploration. ([](

Sources

  • NASA — STS-135 —
  • NASA — NASA’s Final Space Shuttle Mission Begins With Atlantis’ Launch —
  • NASA — NASA's Proud Space Shuttle Program Ends With Atlantis Landing —
  • NASA — 10 Years Ago: STS-135, the Space Shuttle’s Grand Finale —
  • NASA — STS-135: The Final Voyage —