Atlantis, the last of Nasa's operational space shuttles, has blasted into space for the final time. The launch is the culmination of 30 years of the shuttle programme and marks an end – for now – to America's ability to send astronauts into space.
Atlantis will spend 12 days in Earth orbit in its mission to re-supply the International Space Station in what will be the last American-controlled flight into space for the foreseeable future.
Despite fears that the shuttle would be prevented from launching because of bad weather, the launch went smoothly, apart from a heart-stopping short delay with the countdown clock stopped on 31 seconds to launch. There was a three-minute delay while engineers confirmed the complete retraction of the gaseous vent arm at the launchpad before the countdown resumed.
The launch had been uncertain until late in the morning, with meteorologists warning of inclement weather conditions closing in on the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Shortly before the scheduled time of 11.26am EDT, however, Nasa officials confirmed suitable weather and gave the launch a green light.
The mission, designated STS-135, is led by commander Chris Ferguson, flown by pilot Doug Hurley, and is carrying mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. In the shuttle's cargo bay is the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module, which contains supplies and spare parts for the space station and its crew.
Before heading for the launchpad, the astronauts enjoyed a hearty breakfast of tenderloin steak, hash browns, tomatoes, salad, strawberries and watermelon.
The launch was attended by dignitaries from the Obama administration including chief science adviser, John Holdren, and the US attorney General, Eric Holder. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and musicians Diana Krall, Alan Parsons and Gloria Estefan were also scheduled to watch Altlantis go up for the final time.
Atlantis will spend 12 days in Earth orbit in its mission to re-supply the International Space Station in what will be the last American-controlled flight into space for the foreseeable future.
Despite fears that the shuttle would be prevented from launching because of bad weather, the launch went smoothly, apart from a heart-stopping short delay with the countdown clock stopped on 31 seconds to launch. There was a three-minute delay while engineers confirmed the complete retraction of the gaseous vent arm at the launchpad before the countdown resumed.
The launch had been uncertain until late in the morning, with meteorologists warning of inclement weather conditions closing in on the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Shortly before the scheduled time of 11.26am EDT, however, Nasa officials confirmed suitable weather and gave the launch a green light.
The mission, designated STS-135, is led by commander Chris Ferguson, flown by pilot Doug Hurley, and is carrying mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. In the shuttle's cargo bay is the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module, which contains supplies and spare parts for the space station and its crew.
The launch was attended by dignitaries from the Obama administration including chief science adviser, John Holdren, and the US attorney General, Eric Holder. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and musicians Diana Krall, Alan Parsons and Gloria Estefan were also scheduled to watch Altlantis go up for the final time.
