This Day in History: Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Last Mission of Atlantis

Pictures taken from the deck of Aunt Catfish in Daytona Beach

Space shuttle Atlantis is embarking on its final planned mission. During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and six astronauts will fly to the International Space Station, leaving behind a Russian Mini Research Module, a set of batteries for the station's truss and dish antenna, along with other replacement parts.

NASA astronaut Ken Ham will command an all-veteran flight crew: Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Michael Good, Garrett Reisman, Piers Sellers and Steve Bowen. Read more about the Space Shuttle Atlantis at NASA