STS-135 Launch Coverage

[Roland99]

Source: NASA

Atlantis Flying through 'Max Q'
Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:30:01 AM EDT

Now just about a minute after launch, the flight continues to go well as Atlantis reaches "max Q," the area in Earth's atmosphere where aerodynamic pressure on the vehicle reaches its peak.


LIFTOFF of Atlantis!
Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:29:09 AM EDT

Booster ignition and liftoff of Atlantis! The shuttle's main engines and two solid rocket boosters are generating a thundering farewell as Atlantis quickly climbs up and away from Launch Pad 39A on a getaway path to orbit. After 30 years and 135 missions, residents and visitors to Florida's Space Coast are seeing this rocket's red glare for the last time.

Once Atlantis clears the tower, the flight control team takes charge, led by Flight Director Richard Jones. Astronaut Barry Wilmore is today's ascent capcom, or spacecraft communicator, meaning he'll stay in contact with Commander Chris Ferguson over an air-to-ground channel throughout the trip to orbit.


T-1 Minute and Counting
Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:25:48 AM EDT

Causeways and beaches throughout Brevard County, Fla., are lined with RVs, tents, cars and pedestrians, all waiting to experience the light and thunder of a space shuttle launch for the last time.

Read more: STS-135 Launch Coverage