FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING

The Space Shuttle Program has been a very big part of my life since I saw my first Shuttle blast-off in 1981.  Since then, I have seen many others take off; it never ceased to amaze and thrill me.  I am very sad to see the program end.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 5:57 a.m. EDT, after 200 orbits around Earth and a journey of 5,284,862 miles. 

Under a dark and perfectly clear sky this morning, I was lucky enough to see Atlantis fly overhead headed for the very last shuttle landing.

"After serving the world for over 30 years,

the space shuttle's earned its place in history.

And it's come to a final stop,"

radioed commander Christopher Ferguson.

"Job well done, America,"

 replied Mission Control.



I wish I had taken this photograph!
(Photo courtesy of  NASA website)



Space Shuttle Atlantis

September 6, 2006