NASA TV
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Space Shuttle Atlantis lands at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The landing of Atlantis marks the end of NASA's 30 year space shuttle program. Picture: AP |
It was a momentous event for Space science-loving people especially for those who have worked in the shuttle program for 30 years to see Atlantis, the last of the three shuttles, returning from its last mission into outer-space and landed at the Kennedy Space Center just before 6am EDT on 21 July 2011.
Following this, Atlantis like the other two remaining space shuttles, Discovery and Endeavour is heading for a museum, to be visited and admired by the public. What a fantastic machine!
Among the most important program's objectives is the building of the International Space Station (ISS) which has proved to be a united international collaboration since the end of the "worthless" COLD WAR. The shuttle astronauts have also, over the years, helped to set up and maintain the Hubble telescope giving us spectacular images of the universe. The program has also enabled many scientific research in the various fields including medicine and engineering to be conducted in space. Undoubtedly, the shuttle is an ICON of American science and technology.
Following this, Atlantis like the other two remaining space shuttles, Discovery and Endeavour is heading for a museum, to be visited and admired by the public. What a fantastic machine!
Among the most important program's objectives is the building of the International Space Station (ISS) which has proved to be a united international collaboration since the end of the "worthless" COLD WAR. The shuttle astronauts have also, over the years, helped to set up and maintain the Hubble telescope giving us spectacular images of the universe. The program has also enabled many scientific research in the various fields including medicine and engineering to be conducted in space. Undoubtedly, the shuttle is an ICON of American science and technology.
It is inspiring to listen to what Commander Ferguson of Atlantis said about their space journey would only be completed once they manage to make the young continue the quest for space exploration for the future of humanity.... well said, Commander. In this limitless universe, it is impossible that we are alone. The continued quest into outer space might see human discovering another earth-like planet - interesting? Frightening? One will never know unless one gets there.
A NASA official also said that in order for America to advance, going deeper into space and far beyond, they need to change and ceasing the shuttle program is a form of change for them to concentrate on more ambitious projects of reaching other planets for example, Mars and maybe an Asteroid.
Bravo America! And thank you for your endeavours for the benefits of all of humanity and what a great space nation!
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