Todays spaceshuttle launch was the last and final spaceshuttle launch. The launch was a success, and Atlantis is now cathing up on its target ISS

After launching from Kennedy Space Center’s historic Launch Pad 39A at 19:29 am UT, space shuttle Atlantis’ crew has begun orbit operations in earnest, preparing to dock to the International Space Station at 17:06 am Sunday morning.

Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim are activating and checking out the shuttle robotic arm this evening in preparation for a standard survey of Atlantis’ Orbital Maneuvering System pods at 12:49am. UT. Prior to that, at 12:44 am., the crew will play back video they recorded from Atlantis’ window 4 of the external tank separation.

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