Sunday, July 10, 2011

Diary of a cameraman at the last shuttle launch

The space shuttle Atlantis is seen docked to the International Space Station with the earth in the background in this image from NASA TV July 10, 2011. - The space shuttle Atlantis is seen docked to the International Space Station with the earth in the background in this image from NASA TV July 10, 2011. | REUTERS


Atlantis makes final docking at International Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.— The Associated Press

In a flight full of emotion, Atlantis made the final docking in shuttle history Sunday, pulling up at the International Space Station with a year's worth of supplies.
The station's naval bell chimed a salute as Atlantis docked 386 kilometres above the Pacific.
“Atlantis arriving,” called out space station astronaut Ronald Garan Jr. “Welcome to the International Space Station for the last time.”

“And it's great to be here,” replied shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson.
Cries of joy and laughter filled the connected vessels once the hatches swung open and the two crews — 10 space fliers altogether representing three countries — exchanged hugs, handshakes and kisses on the cheek. Cameras floated everywhere, recording every moment of the last-of-its-kind festivities.
It's the final docking to a space station ever by a NASA shuttle. Atlantis is being retired after this flight, the last of the 30-year shuttle program.
Excitement grew throughout the morning — in orbit and at Mission Control — as the miles melted between the two spacecraft with every circling of Earth. Every landmark, or rather spacemark, of this final two-week shuttle mission is being savoured.Read more...

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