-
#460 by DwightM on 21 Jul, 2011 10:25
-
I recall watching the launch of ASTP, but I was enraptured with all things STS-1. I've loved this program since I saw the drawings in books, and the launches live on TV. I can count the number of launches missed on one hand (Challenger 51L was one, I was in gym class in my senior year in high school), and landings missed is just a couple more. I'm not a real emotional person, but I admit to some very wet cheeks as she glided in for the last time. Thanks Chris & all at NSF.
~
To all those who had any part of the Space Shuttle Program, the Space Transportation System, at any time from conception to completion - as a human being and a loyal American - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
When we honor the vehicles, we are honoring those who were involved in the dream, design, manufacture, test, process, support, control, and flying of them.
You have been an inspiration to tens of thousands, and you deserve a higher praise that I alone can give. Through this endeavor you have served not only your country, but all of humanity - a legacy that will endure long after the tires have cooled for the last time.
Your vision has expanded our horizon,
Your dedication has set a high standard,
Your integrity has been steadfast,
Your diligence has been stalwart,
Your labor has been fruitful,
You have left a mark on history that cannot be dulled.
You are some of the best of this country, and of this world. May God bless you and bring you further greatness.
Dwight Morrison -
#461 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jul, 2011 10:25
-
Go for the transition to OPS-901.
-
#462 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jul, 2011 10:26
-
GPC powerdown in work now.
-
#463 by Ronsmytheiii on 21 Jul, 2011 10:26
-
Doing PGC power-down, Atlantis' brain is now off
-
#464 by emrock78 on 21 Jul, 2011 10:26
-
Welcome home old friend.
This is much harder than I imagined... -
#465 by saturnsky on 21 Jul, 2011 10:27
-
God bless all those who worked on these magnificent flying machines!!! Thank you for a job well done!!
-
#466 by Alpha Control on 21 Jul, 2011 10:28
-
Doing PGC power-down, Atlantis' brain is now off
Very sad.
-
#467 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jul, 2011 10:28
-
And here's LC-39a, the pad she launched from just under two weeks ago... never to receive another Shuttle again...
-
#468 by arkaska on 21 Jul, 2011 10:28
-
Upper left and right side acceptable and are now hooking up to begin purge
-
#469 by Nick L. on 21 Jul, 2011 10:29
-
-
#470 by Ronsmytheiii on 21 Jul, 2011 10:29
-
-
#471 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jul, 2011 10:29
-
Epic shot!
-
#472 by Orbiter on 21 Jul, 2011 10:30
-
Goodbye Space Shuttle Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. And we thank you. Never again shall you slip the surely bonds of Earth.
Orbiter -
#473 by floron on 21 Jul, 2011 10:31
-
Me and the guys elsewhere put together a little image. Enjoy...
points finger to the sky...*bang* -
#474 by psloss on 21 Jul, 2011 10:31
-
-
#475 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jul, 2011 10:32
-
Even tighter!
Cooling is being hooked up. Crew to be out shortly. JSC will hand over the Shuttle to KSC when they are satisfied that their work is done.
-
#476 by JimO on 21 Jul, 2011 10:32
-
Planetary Society just issued a statement. I appreciate the sentiments even if the statistics are pretty shaky:
The Planetary Society
85 South Grand, Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 793-5100 Fax (626) 793-5528
E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://planetary.org
For Immediate Release: July 21, 2011
Contact: Charlene Anderson
=======
Planetary Society Statement
On the End of the Space Shuttle Program
Pasadena, CA -- Today, as the Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down and returned its crew to Earth, the 30-year-long space shuttle program came to its end.
Bill Nye, Executive Director of the Planetary Society, had this to say:
“Mission accomplished! It’s been thirty great years for the Space Shuttle program. With this venerable space vehicle retired, it’s on to the next adventure.
“The Space Shuttle has taken more than 10,400 tons into orbit, a fantastic legacy, as most of that equipment is still up there helping astronauts do their jobs. But now it’s time to move up and on— outward. We can make new discoveries peering beyond new horizons.”
The Planetary Society salutes the men and women – those in space and those on the ground – who made the Shuttle fly. Theirs is a legacy that will be remembered by people through the centuries to come, especially by those who follow the trail they have blazed into space.
=========
That works out to 77 tons per launch, which obviously includes the weight of the Orbiter itself every time. So it's amusing that the statement then brags, "most of that equipment is still up there helping astronauts do their jobs".
Like I said -- thanks for the sentiments, Science Guy. As for the facts, stick with nasaspaceflight.com....
-
#477 by Ronsmytheiii on 21 Jul, 2011 10:32
-
-
#478 by MATTBLAK on 21 Jul, 2011 10:33
-
An edit and update of this ditty, for those who joined the thread late - I want to post this salute one last time:
********************************
Hail, Atlantis! I hope you enjoyed your final laps of Earth. As always, you shouldered the stinging chill of vacuum, savored the blue, white and green glow of the Earth below. You looked down upon the piled-up, creamy clouds and the rippling flashes of lightning far below your wings. You felt the warmth of the mighty Sun on your hull and knew that other, farther Stars await your Exploring descendants, yet to come.
And then, with mighty wings and shielded hull, both strong and proud; you braved the fiery upper atmosphere to bring your precious people safely home once more. And so this last time was the right time to show them all what it really means to be a Spaceship - a speeding chariot, forged from the Spirit Of Exploration, bearing Brave Souls back to their Home.
Godspeed the Crew of STS-135. Hail Atlantis! and Hail the Space Shuttles, for we will never forget you....
-
#479 by n4dou on 21 Jul, 2011 10:35
-
Welcome home to Atlantis and her crew. Thanks Chris for such an awesome forum.
I have been watching human space flight since 1961 and I will continue to be a huge fan. The shuttle is a mangificent bird who ended her journey too soon. Thanks to all that made the shuttle fly.
