Final Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
May 11th, 2009
May 11th, 2009
How Long Ago?
15 years, 10 months, 4 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- John Lounge
- Charles Hobaugh
- Andrew Feustel
- Scott Altman
- Mike Massimino
- Michael Good
Links & References
Tags
Final Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on its final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, marking a significant milestone in the field of space exploration. The mission included a crew of six astronauts and focused on upgrading and repairing the telescope, which has been pivotal in astronomical discoveries since its launch in 1990. Atlantis ascended from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing NASA's legacy in space observation and scientific research. The crew performed critical tasks such as replacing gyroscopes and installing new instruments to enhance Hubble's capabilities, ensuring its operation for years to come.
Atlantis made final flight as STS-125
Successfully serviced and upgraded Hubble
Crew included six astronauts and performed spacewalks
Prolonged Hubble's lifecycle for additional discoveries
What Happened?
Space Shuttle Atlantis executed its final voyage as STS-125, a mission dedicated to servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, which had revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Atlantis carried a crew of six astronauts, led by Commander Scott Altman. The launch occurred in May, a pivotal month for this intricate mission designed to extend Hubble's service life through repairs and upgrades. Atlantis orbited the Earth approximately 300 miles high, allowing the crew to perform several spacewalks to tackle significant repairs from the telescope's instruments to its systems.
The mission encompassed complex tasks including the replacement of Hubble's aging gyroscopes, batteries, and the installation of advanced scientific equipment such as the Wide Field Camera 3. These modifications aimed not only to prolong Hubble's function but also to enhance its power to collect astronomical data, providing sharper images and new capabilities for scientists. Hubble has played an integral role in astronomical discoveries, from measuring the rate of expansion of the universe to stunning images of distant galaxies.
The culmination of the mission resulted in improvements that were projected to extend Hubble's operational life until at least 2014, with several enhancements that would keep its instruments at the cutting edge of astrophysics. The successful deployment and return of Atlantis underscored NASA's commitment to space science and exploration, serving as a poignant reminder of the shuttle program's contributions. Upon its return, Atlantis landed safely in California, closing a significant chapter in NASA's journey with the Hubble Space Telescope.
Why Does it Matter?
The final mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis is noteworthy as it represents a pivotal instance in the NASA-led efforts to enhance space science through the Hubble Space Telescope. The advancements made during the STS-125 mission have contributed significantly to our current understanding of the cosmos. The improvements extended Hubble's life and capabilities, enabling groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. The mission also symbolized the culmination of the Space Shuttle program which had facilitated significant human spaceflight missions over nearly three decades.
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