Space Shuttle's Final Days
As NASA's space shuttle program nears its last mission, see some of the final "firsts" made aboard this icon of U.S. spaceflight. Video.
NASA's space shuttle has been an icon of the U.S. space program for the past 30 years. Journey on one of the last shuttle missions to witness some final "firsts" made aboard this unique spacecraft.
© 2011 National Geographic; Video courtesy NASA
The space shuttle program neared its complete retirement with mission STS-134, the next-to-last shuttle journey. Shuttle Endeavour, which was built to replace the ill-fated shuttle Challenger, made its 25th and final flight, and carried six astronauts to the International Space Station.
Like the kid who dreams of space travel, the astronauts’ excitement extends into the real thing.
SOUNDBITE: Greg Chamitoff, NASA Space Walker- We’ve been in space now for, what, four hours. Five hours, something like that. Amazing and we’re all feeling
