Making History

STS-135 countdown under way

Space shuttle Atlantis is set to liftoff on the final flight of the shuttle program, STS-135, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Launch is currently targeted for July 8 at 11:26 a.m. EDT. NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported space shuttle Atlantis is ready for flight, and STS-135 payload manager Joe Delai said the payloads are ready to go as well. The only issue standing in the way of liftoff Friday is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing along the sea-breeze front reported Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer. For more information, please see NASA's space shuttle website or read the Countdown.

STS-135 launch salute

History will be made next week with the very last launch of the Space Shuttle. Wherever you may be, invite your friends to be a part of history by joining this last salute.

In honor of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have devoted their time, careers and passion over the last 40 years to the success of the Space Shuttle Program, and in remembrance of the crew of Challenger and Columbia who paid the ultimate price, we ask you to stand, join and raise hands as you watch Atlantis ascend into the heavens during the final space shuttle launch.

• At ten seconds to liftoff, stand up
• At liftoff, join and raise hands
• For first ten seconds of flight, keep hands raised

With this gesture, we will convey the thanks of a grateful nation and world for the legacy of space exploration that has been set for the future.