STS-135 Space shuttle Atlantis launch at Kennedy Space Center KSC on final NASA shuttle mission

Atlantis and its four astronauts left Earth for the final space shuttle mission, which will cap off an amazing 30-year program of exploration, which launched great observatories, built an International Space Station, and taught us more about how humans can live and work in space.

With the International Space Station flying 220 miles high and east of Christchurch, New Zealand, Atlantis left Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:29 a.m. EDT. There was a slight delay at T-31 seconds while retraction of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, or "Beanie Cap," was verified. Atlantis will dock with the space station on Sunday.

The STS-135 post-launch news conference will begin at 1:10 p.m. EDT from NAS's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating will be NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager and chairman of the pre-mission Mission Management Team Mike Moses, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The news conference will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

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[JMChladek]

Looks like you had the spot I had for STS-131. How did you know the GOX arm hadn't retracted fully? Were you listening to NASA feed on an ear-piece? I was in front of the clock with many others and we had NO idea what was going on when the 31 second hold was called.

[woodencoasterfan]

Sorry, I meant to say in the near future instead of bear future.

[woodencoasterfan]

It was a beautiful and sad thing to see at the same time. I grew up with the Space Shuttle program almost from it's inception as I was born in 1974. I remember watching many launches from my school, driveway, or being in person and I'm glad I could see this one in person from the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. God speed Atlantis and I hope NASA will return to manned space missions in the bear future.

[philritter21]

Although I wish I had been able to make it to this launch, I am satisfied with seeing STS133 from the causeway in Feb. It was the last picture perfect launch from what I can tell. 134 and 135 appear hazy and cloudy with bad lighting, while 133 was totally clear, with a low sun that was behind us, providing spectacular visuals.

[PhantomDrums917]

This was one bucket list item I never got to accomplish. :( Thanks for posting this, it's the next best thing. :)

[FloridaBeachMG]

Very cool video! THANKS!~ I went to 38 NASA Shuttle launches, wanted to make this 39 but all the WX Gods and TECH Gods I was praying to for a 24 hour scrub so I could attend didn't make it to the Launch Pad ... but THANKS for being my eyes and ears!