STS-135: The Last Space Shuttle Mission

Launch coverage of STS-135, featuring the countdown from T-minus 20 minutes, which included a built-in hold lasting 41 minutes and 13 seconds. Liftoff occurred at T-zero, followed by the roll program completion at 24 seconds, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 20 seconds, and main engine cutoff at 8 minutes and 50 seconds. The ascent was directed by Flight Director Richard Jones and CAPCOM Barry Wilmore, marking the final launch of the Space Shuttle program.

This recording captures the ascent simulation for STS-135, focusing on critical moments such as the management of a helium leak in the left OMS tank and the subsequent decision to perform an early OMS burn at 24 minutes. Key discussions include the implications of a fuel cell performance issue and the execution of a bus tie to address electrical concerns. The crew's coordination and troubleshooting efforts are highlighted throughout the simulation.

This recording captures a simulation run focusing on the landing gear deployment procedures and associated anomalies. Notably, the crew discusses an APU fuel leak and the implications for landing, while also addressing issues with the gear down light and the need for a single gear deploy method. The dialogue includes troubleshooting steps and decision-making processes as they prepare for a simulated landing at 300 feet, emphasizing the challenges faced during the run.

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STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 2, document the calibration of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System by Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley, preparing for the inspection of Atlantis' heat shield. The recording highlights the NC-2 burn executed for 11 seconds to fine-tune the shuttle's trajectory towards the International Space Station, scheduled for docking at 10:07 a.m. Central Time. Additionally, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus set up the bicycle ergometer for the crew's exercise needs during the mission.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 2, feature the ongoing survey of Atlantis' thermal protection heat shield using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System, initiated at 6:46 a.m. Central Time. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus conduct the inspection, which includes the starboard wing and will proceed to the nose cap and port wing. The crew is running approximately 45 minutes ahead of schedule, opting to skip a midday meal to expedite their work.

STS-135 mission status briefing on flight day 2, focusing on the completion of the thermal protection system inspection using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System. The crew, including Chris Ferguson, Doug Hurley, and Sandy Magnus, conducted the survey ahead of schedule, finishing by 11:30 a.m. Central Time. Preparations for the upcoming docking with the International Space Station at 10:07 a.m. Central Time were also discussed, with the crew running approximately an hour and a half ahead of their timeline.

This recording captures the STS-135 Mission Management Team briefing on flight day 2, where Leroy Kane provided updates on Atlantis' performance, noting the completion of thermal protection system surveys ahead of schedule. The crew's excellent health and spirits were highlighted, along with discussions about the potential for a mission extension due to favorable cryogenic margins. No anomalies were reported, marking a notably clean flight status.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 3, highlight the terminal initiation burn executed by Commander Chris Ferguson at 7:29 a.m. Central Time, marking the last such maneuver in the Space Shuttle program. The recording details the crew's preparations for the rendezvous pitch maneuver, where they will photograph Atlantis' thermal protection system, with Sergei Volkov, Mike Fossum, and Satoshi Furukawa using high-powered lenses for detailed imaging. Additionally, the crew discusses the handoff of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System from the ISS to Atlantis' robotic arm.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 3, include the successful execution of the terminal initiation burn by Commander Chris Ferguson, marking the last such maneuver in the Space Shuttle program. The recording captures the troubleshooting of the Tridar sensor by Rex Walheim, which was resolved just before the burn. Additionally, the crew prepares for the final rendezvous pitch maneuver, with Sergei Volkov, Mike Fossum, and Satoshi Furukawa set to photograph Atlantis' thermal protection system during the approach to the International Space Station.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 3, capture the successful docking of Atlantis to the International Space Station at 10:07 a.m. Central Time, executed flawlessly by Commander Chris Ferguson. The recording details the completion of leak checks on both sides of the docking interface, leading to the opening of the hatches at 11:47 a.m. Central Time, allowing the crews to greet one another. Additionally, the handoff of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System from the station's robotic arm to Atlantis' arm is prepared for inspection tasks.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 4, document the handoff of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) from the International Space Station's robotic arm to Atlantis' arm, with Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley operating the shuttle's arm. The recording captures the successful ungrapple of the OBSS at approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes into the mission, as well as discussions regarding video issues experienced by the crew. Additionally, Mission Control prepares for the upcoming mission management team briefing.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 4, feature the successful installation of the Raffaello Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the Harmony module, completed by Sandy Magnus and Doug Hurley using the robotic arm. The crew is ahead of schedule, currently pressurizing the vestibule between Raffaello and Harmony, which will lead to leak checks and the opening of the hatch later today. Additionally, Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim reloaded software into General Purpose Computer Number 3, resolving a previous shutdown issue.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 10, feature the ongoing transfer of the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module back into Atlantis' cargo bay, with Ron Garan involved in securing the mass constituent analyzer for the return trip. The recording highlights the crew's off-duty time and preparations for the upcoming undocking, scheduled for 1:28 a.m. Central Time, as well as discussions about the FIFA Women's World Cup between crew members Sandy Magnus and Satoshi Furukawa. Additionally, the crew is set to close the hatches between the shuttle and the station at 8:19 a.m. Central Time tomorrow.

This recording captures the hatch closure between Atlantis and the International Space Station at 9:28 a.m. Central Time, marking the end of a historic docking period of 7 days and 21 hours. The crew participated in a farewell ceremony, leaving behind a flag that first flew on STS-1, symbolizing the shuttle's legacy. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming undocking at 1:28 a.m. Central Time are discussed, including the deployment of a PicoSat, which will capture final images of Atlantis in orbit.

This recording captures the STS-135 mission status briefing on flight day 12, highlighting the successful undocking of Atlantis from the International Space Station at 21 hours, 59 minutes. Flight Director Quatsy Alabaroo praised the crew's flawless execution of the fly-around maneuver and the initiation of late inspection activities using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System. The crew is preparing for entry activities, with a focus on the upcoming deployment of a PicoSat satellite, marking the final payload deployment from a space shuttle.

This recording captures STS-135 landing coverage on flight day 13, highlighting the PicoSat deployment, which is the 180th payload deployed in shuttle history. Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley conduct a reaction control system hot-fire test, confirming all 44 thrusters are operational. The crew prepares for their final landing at Kennedy Space Center, scheduled for 5:56:58 AM Eastern Time, with excellent weather conditions reported by entry flight director Tony Sikachi.

STS-135 landing coverage, flight day 14, features the final preparations for Atlantis' landing at Kennedy Space Center, scheduled for 5:56:58 AM Eastern Time. Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley complete the payload bay door closing for the last time, a significant milestone in the shuttle program's history. The weather is reported as clear with no issues, and this landing marks the 25th night landing in shuttle history, occurring 42 minutes before sunrise.

This recording captures STS-135 landing coverage on flight day 14, documenting Atlantis' final touchdown on runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center at 4:57 AM Central Time. Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley lead the landing sequence, with the first sonic booms heard as Atlantis descends. Entry Flight Director Tony Sikachi delivers a farewell message, marking the end of the Space Shuttle program as all four crew members exit the orbiter for the last time.

This recording captures STS-135 landing coverage on flight day 14, detailing Atlantis' final touchdown on runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center at 4:57 AM Central Time. Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley execute the landing sequence, with the first sonic booms heard as Atlantis descends. Entry Flight Director Tony Sikachi delivers a farewell message, marking the end of the Space Shuttle program as all four crew members exit the orbiter for the last time.

This recording captures the STS-135 post-landing press conference, featuring Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. The crew reflects on their emotional return to Florida, with Ferguson noting the significance of landing back in Florida after concerns of a California landing. Notably, Hurley shares a humorous moment about a malfunction alarm during the flight, while Magnus discusses the pride of the workforce involved in the shuttle program.

This crew debrief covers the final moments of the STS-135 mission, highlighting the deployment of the PicoSat satellite, marking the 180th payload deployment in Shuttle history. Commander Chris Ferguson reflects on the emotional significance of the mission's conclusion, while pilot Doug Hurley discusses the challenges of flying with a reduced crew. The crew expresses gratitude to the thousands who contributed to the Shuttle program, emphasizing the legacy of teamwork and innovation that will continue in future space endeavors.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 4, capture the opening of the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module at 11:10 a.m. Central Time, led by Sandy Magnus, Chris Ferguson, and Satoshi Furukawa. The crew prepares for extensive cargo transfer operations, moving nearly five tons of supplies to the International Space Station. Additionally, Mike Fossum and Ron Garan gear up for a spacewalk scheduled for the following day, which will include retrieving a failed ammonia pump module.

This recording captures the preparations for the only spacewalk of the STS-135 mission, scheduled to begin at 7:44 a.m. Central Time. Mission Specialist Rex Walheim serves as the intra-vehicular officer, coordinating tasks for Flight Engineers Mike Fossum and Ron Garan, who will retrieve a failed pump module from the International Space Station. The spacewalk will also involve the installation of the Robotic Refueling Mission payload onto the Dexter robot for future testing.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 5, feature the preparation for a spacewalk by Mike Fossum and Ron Garan, who are conducting in-suit light exercise in the Quest airlock. The recording captures the installation of a portable foot restraint on the Canadarm 2 by Garan, who will retrieve a failed pump module from external stowage platform number two. This spacewalk is notable as it is the last planned EVA by American astronauts in US spacesuits for the next year.

This recording captures STS-135 on-orbit activities on flight day 6, focusing on the in-flight maintenance work on the waste and hygiene compartment by Ron Garan and Mike Fossum, who aim to resolve issues with the U.S. toilet system. The crew also engages in cargo transfer from the multipurpose logistics module, with updates on their progress. Additionally, the recording features upcoming media interviews with the crew, including Doug Hurley and Rex Walheim, scheduled for 11:54 a.m. Central Time.

This recording features the STS-135 press conference, occurring 5 days, 22 hours, and 17 minutes into the mission. Commander Chris Ferguson discusses his early inspirations for space travel, while Pilot Doug Hurley shares details about their breakfast menu, including oatmeal and sausage patties. Notably, Ferguson humorously addresses the challenges of floating hair in microgravity and the crew's location in the Japanese module of the ISS. The conference also highlights the upcoming airing of the Solid Rocket Booster video from Atlantis' launch.

This recording captures the STS-135 mission status briefing on flight day 8, where Commander Chris Ferguson discussed recent computer issues, noting that all five computers are operational despite a hiccup that occurred during the night. The crew, including Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, continued cargo transfer operations from the Raffaello module, with Magnus leading the effort. The briefing also featured media interviews with the crew, highlighting Ferguson's reflections on the shuttle program's conclusion and its impact on future space exploration.

STS-135 on-orbit activities, flight day 9, feature a tribute message recorded by the crew, including Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley, honoring the United States Honor flag. The recording captures the crew's reflections on the Space Shuttle program's legacy and their preparations for returning the flag to Earth. Additionally, the crew discusses ongoing maintenance of the treadmill in the Russian segment, with Sergei Volkov providing video feedback to Mission Control regarding its operation.

Launch coverage of STS-135, featuring the countdown from T-minus three hours, with a notable hold at T-minus 31 seconds due to a ground lock sequencer failure. Liftoff occurred at T-zero, followed by the roll program completion at 24 seconds, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 20 seconds, and main engine cutoff at 8 minutes and 50 seconds. This recording captures the final launch of Atlantis, marking the end of the Space Shuttle program.