The last Space Shuttle returned to Earth 15 years ago
This week marks the 15th anniversary of the final landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis, which concluded the agency's iconic Space Shuttle program. The article reflects on the program's history, including the 'Launch On Need' safety protocols and the transition to commercial spaceflight partners.
Why it matters
The end of the Space Shuttle program represented a major shift in space exploration strategy, moving from government-operated vehicles to commercial partnerships.
So, how are those commercial replacements working out for you, NASA?
This week marks 15 years since a Space Shuttle last returned from orbit and the end of NASA's Space Shuttle program.
Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space Center 15 years ago this week, marking the final mission for the program.
STS-135 was originally designated STS-335, the Launch On Need (LON) mission for the previous STS-134 flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. LON missions had been a feature of the Space Shuttle program following the Columbia disaster.
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