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) and demonstrated the shuttle's enduring capabilities. The mission's final day, July 20, 2011, was characterized by meticulous preparations for re-entry and the deployment of a significant scientific payload.

Final Preparations for Re-entry

On the evening of July 20, 2011, the STS-135 crew initiated the final procedures for Atlantis's return to Earth. The crew began by stowing equipment and securing the cabin in preparation for landing. This process involved carefully packing all items to ensure a smooth re-entry and landing sequence. The meticulous nature of these preparations underscored the importance of safety and precision in the shuttle's final operations.

Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim conducted comprehensive checks of Atlantis's flight control surfaces. Utilizing the Portable Inflight Landing Operations Trainer (PILOT), they practiced landing procedures to ensure readiness for the upcoming descent. These simulations were crucial for maintaining proficiency in landing techniques, especially given the shuttle's unique design and handling characteristics.

Deployment of the Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Experiment (PSSC-2)

In addition to landing preparations, the crew successfully deployed the Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Experiment (PSSC-2), a technology demonstration designed to test new solar cell technologies in space. This experiment aimed to assess the performance of advanced solar cells, which are vital for the power systems of future satellites. The deployment of PSSC-2 was a significant milestone, marking the 180th and final payload deployment by a Space Shuttle. The successful execution of this task highlighted the shuttle's role in advancing space technology and its contributions to scientific research.

Final Wake-up Call and Reflections

As the mission neared its conclusion, the crew received a poignant wake-up call at 8:29 p.m. CDT on July 20, 2011. The song "God Bless America," performed by Kate Smith, was played to honor the crew and all those who contributed to the shuttle program over the years. This gesture served as a tribute to the collective efforts and achievements of the Space Shuttle Program, which had been instrumental in advancing human space exploration for three decades.

Commander Ferguson expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the mission and the program's history. He remarked, "Thank you, America, for supporting this program. We'll see you on the ground here in a few short hours, hopefully." This statement encapsulated the crew's appreciation for the nation's backing and the significance of their final journey.

Conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program

The events of July 20, 2011, encapsulated the culmination of the Space Shuttle Program's 30-year legacy. The successful deployment of PSSC-2 and the thorough preparations for re-entry underscored the shuttle's enduring capabilities and the professionalism of its crew. As Atlantis prepared for its final landing, the mission symbolized the end of an era in human spaceflight, paving the way for new endeavors in exploration and technology development.

The Space Shuttle Program's conclusion marked a transformative period in space exploration, characterized by significant achievements and the development of technologies that continue to influence current and future missions. The legacy of the program endures, inspiring ongoing efforts to explore and understand the cosmos.

Sources

  • NASA — STS-135: The Final Voyage —
  • 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 —