Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off for the final time from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, July 8, 2011. Atlantis’ mission is the final one of the shuttle program’s 30 year history and leaves NASA without manned spaceflight launch capability.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis sits as the external tank is fueled on the launch pad in pre-dawn darkness at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, July 8, 2011.
Cameras fill every available inch along the front edge of the press site as the Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off for the final time on Friday, July 8, 2011. An estimated 2500 media were credentialed for the final launch.
Astronaut Sandy Magnus waves to NASA employees gathered to watch the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis leave for the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, July 8, 2011.
Photographers and TV crews follow Atlantis as it makes its way to orbit and a planned rendezvous with the International Space Station on Friday, July 8, 2011.
Spectators react as Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off for the final time from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, July 8, 2011.