Space Shuttle Atlantis Leaves Space Station for Last Time | July 19 2011
Channel: Hacking Space Frontier
Date: 2023-06-17

The last time a Space Shuttle docked with the International Space Station (ISS) was during the STS-135 mission, which took place from July 8 to July 21, 2011. Space Shuttle Atlantis was the orbiter used for this historic mission. The purpose of STS-135 was to deliver supplies, equipment, and experiments to the ISS, as well as to perform necessary maintenance tasks.

During the mission, Atlantis successfully rendezvoused and docked with the ISS using the docking system located at the forward end of the orbiter. The docking allowed the transfer of essential supplies and equipment between the shuttle and the space station. The crew of STS-135 also conducted spacewalks to perform maintenance work on the ISS, including the installation of a failed ammonia pump module.

This mission was significant as it marked the final time a Space Shuttle would visit the International Space Station. After completing its mission objectives, Atlantis undocked from the ISS and began its journey back to Earth. The successful completion of STS-135 marked the end of the Space Shuttle program, concluding a remarkable era in human spaceflight