Atlantis to undock from ISS as last ever shuttle mission draws to a close

by yaska77

The hatches have been closed, leak checks performed, and Expedition 28 members on the ISS have said goodbye to a shuttle crew for the very last time.

Hatches between the International Space Station and the space shuttle were officially closed for the final time at 10:28 EDT (14:28 GMT/ 15:28 BST) after a poignant farewell ceremony, having been open for seven days, 21 hours and 41 minutes.

Atlantis Commander Chris Ferguson thanks the Expedition 28 crew for their hospitality - Credit: NASA TV

Atlantis‘ crew spent the remainder of today preparing for Tuesday’s early morning undocking, before the station crew went to sleep at 13:29 EDT (17:29 GMT/ 18:29 BST), with the shuttle crew entering their sleep period half an hour later.

Undocking is sheduled for Tuesday 19th July at 02:28 EDT (06:28 GMT/ 07:28 BST) when STS-135 Atlantis will perform a “fly-around” the station, with a late inspection of the orbiter’s heat shield expected. Landing is due at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday 21st July at 05:57 EDT (09:57 GMT/ 10:57 BST).

We’ll be covering both undocking and the final shuttle landing here at Sky-Watching, so check back later for the NASA TV feed and additional information.

These sights will never be seen live again, history is being written before our eyes so let’s help ensure Atlantis and the shuttle program are given the send off they deserve!