Space Shuttle Atlantis completed its final mission STS-135, marking the end of NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The mission delivered crucial supplies to the International Space Station before making its historic final landing.

The Space Shuttle program stands as one of NASA's most iconic achievements spanning three decades of space exploration. After 135 missions carrying astronauts into orbit the program finally came to an end in 2011 marking the end of an era in spaceflight history.

The final mission designated STS-135 launched on July 8 2011 with Space Shuttle Atlantis carrying Commander Chris Ferguson and a crew of three other astronauts. This historic flight delivered crucial supplies to the International Space Station and conducted vital research before making its final descent back to Earth. The touchdown at Kennedy Space Center on July 21 2011 brought NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle program to a bittersweet close leaving America without a domestic spacecraft capable of launching astronauts into orbit.

Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off on July 8, 2011, at 11:29 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The mission marked the 135th and final flight of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.

The STS-135 mission lasted 12 days 18 hours 28 minutes. Atlantis delivered 9,400 pounds of spare parts equipment supplies to the International Space Station including:

• Multipurpose Logistics Module Raffaello
• Lightweight Multi-Purpose Carrier
• 2,677 pounds of food supplies
• 1,300 pounds of crew equipment
• 810 pounds of science equipment

Mission Statistics	Data
Launch Date	July 8, 2011
Landing Date	July 21, 2011
Mission Duration	12 days 18 hours 28 minutes
Orbits Completed	200
Distance Traveled	5.2 million miles

The final Space Shuttle crew consisted of four experienced astronauts:

• Commander Christopher Ferguson: A veteran of three spaceflights
• Pilot Douglas Hurley: Completed two previous missions
• Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus: Logged 157 days in space
• Mission Specialist Rex Walheim: Accumulated 36 days in space

This crew size was smaller than typical shuttle missions which carried 6-7 astronauts. The reduced crew ensured the astronauts could return on Russian Soyuz vehicles if Atlantis became damaged during the mission.

The final Space Shuttle mission marked a pivotal moment in space exploration history, concluding a 30-year program that transformed human spaceflight capabilities. This mission represented both the end of an accomplished era and a transition toward new space exploration approaches.

The Space Shuttle program's conclusion impacted space exploration in multiple ways. NASA completed 135 missions during the program's lifetime, delivering over 3.5 million pounds of cargo to orbit. The shuttles enabled significant achievements including:

• Launching satellites like the Hubble Space Telescope

• Constructing the International Space Station through 37 assembly missions

• Supporting over 2,000 science experiments in microgravity

• Training more than 350 astronauts from 16 different countries

• Creation of the Commercial Crew Program partnering with SpaceX Boeing

• Development of the Space Launch System for deep space missions

• Investment in the Artemis program for lunar exploration

• Establishment of public-private partnerships for cargo delivery to ISS

Program Element	Post-Shuttle Impact
ISS Resupply	Transition to commercial providers
Crew Transport	9-year gap in U.S. launch capability
Science Missions	40% reduction in payload capacity
Annual Launches	Decreased from 4-6 to 0 (2011-2020)

The final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, achieved several critical objectives focused on sustaining the International Space Station's operations. The mission demonstrated the Space Shuttle's essential role in supporting space infrastructure through cargo delivery and maintenance activities.

Atlantis transported 9,400 pounds of supplies in the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the International Space Station. The cargo included:

• 2,677 pounds of food provisions sustaining ISS operations for one year

• 1,564 pounds of crew equipment including clothing sleeping bags

• 1,979 pounds of science equipment supporting 280 experiments

• 1,071 pounds of spare parts for station systems maintenance

• 2,109 pounds of other supplies including computers tools

• Installation of the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment

• Retrieval of a failed ammonia pump module

• Transfer of a materials exposure experiment

• Testing of techniques for cleaning solar arrays

• Installation of a thermal cover on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator

Spacewalk Statistics	Data
Duration	6 hours 31 minutes
Distance Covered	850 feet
Tasks Completed	5 major objectives
Participants	2 astronauts
ISS Location	Port Truss Segment

The Space Shuttle program transformed space exploration through technological innovation and scientific advancement from 1981 to 2011. Its achievements established a foundation for modern space operations and commercial spaceflight initiatives.

NASA's Space Shuttle program completed 135 missions across three decades, achieving multiple milestone accomplishments. The program deployed 180 payloads including the Hubble Space Telescope constructed the International Space Station through 37 assembly missions. The shuttles transported 3.5 million pounds of cargo to orbit supporting 2,000 microgravity experiments. The program trained 355 astronauts from 16 countries expanding international cooperation in space exploration.

Achievement Category	Statistics
Total Missions	135
Payloads Deployed	180
Cargo Delivered	3.5M lbs
Science Experiments	2,000
Trained Astronauts	355
Partner Countries	16

The conclusion of the Space Shuttle program initiated NASA's shift toward commercial partnerships. SpaceX and Boeing received contracts through the Commercial Crew Program to develop new spacecraft. This transition created opportunities for private companies in space transportation reducing launch costs by 30%. The commercial model introduced reusable rocket technology improving mission efficiency and sustainability. Private companies now handle routine orbital missions while NASA focuses on deep space exploration through programs like Artemis.

Commercial Space Milestones	Year
Commercial Crew Program Launch	2011
First SpaceX ISS Cargo Mission	2012
First Commercial Crew Flight	2020
Launch Cost Reduction	30%

• The final Space Shuttle mission (STS-135) launched on July 8, 2011, and landed on July 21, 2011, marking the end of NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle program
• Space Shuttle Atlantis carried a crew of four astronauts led by Commander Chris Ferguson and delivered 9,400 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station
• The mission lasted 12 days, 18 hours, and 28 minutes, completing 200 orbits and traveling 5.2 million miles
• During its 30-year run, the Space Shuttle program completed 135 missions, deployed 180 payloads, and trained 355 astronauts from 16 countries
• The program's end led to NASA's transition toward commercial partnerships with companies like SpaceX and Boeing for space transportation and cargo delivery

The final Space Shuttle mission marked the end of an era in space exploration but opened doors to new possibilities. STS-135's successful completion demonstrated NASA's commitment to innovation and progress while laying the groundwork for future space endeavors.

Though the Space Shuttle program's conclusion left a temporary gap in U.S. spaceflight capabilities it paved the way for exciting commercial partnerships and technological advancements. Today's flourishing commercial space industry stands as a testament to the program's lasting influence on human space exploration.

The legacy of the Space Shuttle program continues to inspire new generations of scientists engineers and astronauts as humanity reaches further into the cosmos with increasingly ambitious goals.