Born on July 8
The Space Shuttle's Last Launch
One last climb into the sky.
Next: July 8, 2027
Where it comes from
This Story marks the anniversary of the Space Shuttle's final launch. At 11:29 a.m. local time on 8 July 2011, Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on STS-135, the 135th and last mission of a programme that had flown for 30 years.
How it's celebrated
There is no organised observance, but space fans can mark it in simple ways. Look up on a clear night and watch for the International Space Station, which the shuttles helped to build, crossing the sky.
Did you know
Nearly a million people gathered along Florida's beaches, rivers and causeways to watch the final launch.
Read the full story of The Space Shuttle's Last Launch
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