Final Shuttle Launch - Atlantis STS-135 (7-8-11)

Video begins at T -9 minutes. A dream come true for us. Third time is the charm after 2 previous failed attempts to see one of these birds fly. And what a special, historical launch to see! Thank you, Eric Walsh, and your Hornet comrade, shuttle pilot Doug Hurley, for not only making this dream happen but from the best vantage point possible. You can hear launch control dialogue in background. Some time points in the video that are of interest: (1) external tank arm retraction 5:40 (2) Hold at T - 31 seconds to confirm arm retraction 7:18 (3) Resumption of countdown 9:30 (4) Main engine start 9:55 (5) THE ROAR (listen for the amazing crescendo - doesn't reach us for a full minute after actual launch and at the end, it really rattles the ground and chest) 10:58

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Atlantis
• Shuttle
• Final
• Launch
• STS-135