Atlantis STS-135: The Sentimental Journey Begins (CoolPix + Must See Video)

(click pic for hi-res)                                                               (photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

 I'm a little late to the launch party today because I've been working all day trying to make some much-needed cash. Space Shuttle Atlantis left earth earlier today at 11:29 am EDT on the last scheduled Space Shuttle mission, STS-135. It's a sentimental journey to be sure. I think it'll definitely feel like something is out of place when our only active manned space system is parked for the last time.

 But right now it's all about this current mission and the successful launch today. This beautiful picture taken by Bill Ingalls for NASA shows Atlantis with her nose pointed at the heavens with her tail on fire for the last time. Be sure to click the pic to see it in a big CoolPix size.

 If you haven't been paying attention as these last few missions have been flown in the last year, you might find yourself suddenly aching for more Shuttle. If so, I highly recommend you watch the lengthy and very informative video below. It's full of stunning slow motion video of a range of Shuttle launches from a wide variety of up-close views... plus it has friendly and comfortable commentary to take you on a journey into the inner workings of the launches like you've never seen before. It's simply awesome. It's well worth you finding the 45 minutes it takes to watch it all. Especially now that the Shuttle program is truly coming to an end.

 Godspeed Atlantis.