SkyMan says, 10 years ago today, 7/8/21, was the last launch of a space shuttle.

Time sure does fly. 10 years ago today, July 8, was the last launch of a space shuttle, specifically the shuttle Atlantis. The mission was numbered STS-135, and landed on July 21, 2011. The first shuttle flight, by Columbia, was in April 1981, so the shuttle flight program lasted for 30 years. While the shuttle never lived up to its billing as safe, easily reusable and inexpensive, it did produce quite a few space "firsts" and unquestionably pushed forward the boundary of space exploration. For all its faults, the shuttle was unquestionably "an American icon". Post a coin or medallion that has either the date 1981 or 2011, or a coin or medallion that has a picture of the space shuttle.

Here's a picture of STS-1 launching, signed by its Commander John Young.








Here's a picture of STS-135 returning to Earth, the last time a shuttle landed from orbit. The picture was taken from the International Space Station, which would NEVER have existed if the shuttle had not provided the muscle and capacity to build it.

 

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Outstanding. I have always enjoyed your Space exploration related posts on various Boards.

 

I was just thinking the same thing this morning. 10 years have passed. I can't believe it.

I miss the shuttle. I understand that we had to retire it and why we did...but I sure miss it. Quite possible the most amazing vehicle ever constructed. Even with today's technology, it would be an outstanding feat.

I also believe that right now we are seeing the first very public loss without the shuttle. I fear we have lost the Hubble Telescope for good.