The Space Shuttle Program Has Ended

[RaptorF22]

Space Shuttle Atlantis has just touched down for the last time in history, bringing the space shuttle program to an end after 30 years! 

[F35LightningII]

I saw it live on TV. I'm gonna miss the shuttle.

[RaptorF22]

Same here, having grown up with it, it is hard to see it go.

[Apex]

Living only 200 miles south of Cape Canaveral, hard to believe I never saw a launch close up, but my timing just wasn't right, just couldn't get up there.

Only once, when in Ft Pierce, about 70 miles south, at the beach there, did we see a launch.  Even that was pretty spectacular.

We're gonna miss it for sure.

[ozzy72]

I can remember the first shuttle flight, heck we were still putting people on the moon when I was born!
I'll be sorry to see such an incredible feat of technology retire but boy what a huge part it has played in space 8-) 8-) 8-)

[machineman9]

I just find it interesting how my parents' generation saw The Moon, and my generation will see Mars and beyond.

We will 'shuttle' again, but somewhere (and in something) new.

[Slotback]

I was there.

Here's a photo:



Maybe I'll do a trip report when I have some time.

[beaky]

Wish I could have been there for that launch or recovery... I sure will miss my favorite glider. 

[tcco94]

[Groundbound1]

Great photo, NNNG. It's interesting to think...IF there are others out there...and they ARE as advanced as we suspect, what would THEY think about how we got to space? Think about it, we strap ourselves to highly explosive materials, push a button and hang on! That's the human spirit for ya. We may not "do it pretty", but by god, we get it done!

[-Crossfire-]

Congrats to NASA and 30 years of Shuttle flights.  They expanded our knowledge to great lengths down here on Earth.  Even though over the past few years, the missions didn't get that much attention from the press, I still watched.  It's still flying in space, which is pretty amazing to me.  Let's not forget the 14 astronauts that were lost during the program.  Can't wait to see where we go next.  8-)