Space Shuttle Atlantis
Introduction
The Space Shuttle Atlantis, designated OV-104, is a retired orbiter from NASA's Space Shuttle program. It was the fourth operational shuttle built and was named after the RV Atlantis, a two-masted sailing ship that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from 1930 to 1966. Atlantis played a pivotal role in the United States' space exploration efforts, contributing to numerous missions that expanded our understanding of space and advanced technology development.
Design and Construction
Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, California. The shuttle's design incorporated lessons learned from its predecessors, including Columbia, Challenger, and Discovery. The orbiter's construction began in March 1980, and it was completed in April 1985. Atlantis was lighter than its predecessors due to the use of advanced materials and construction techniques, which reduced its weight by approximately 3,000 pounds.
The shuttle's thermal protection system was composed of thousands of heat-resistant tiles and reinforced carbon-carbon panels designed to withstand the intense heat of re-entry. The orbiter's main engines, manufactured by Rocketdyne, were capable of producing 1.2 million pounds of thrust, allowing Atlantis to reach low Earth orbit.
Mission History
Atlantis embarked on its maiden flight, STS-51-J, on October 3, 1985. This mission was a classified Department of Defense mission, marking the beginning of Atlantis's extensive service history. Over its 26-year career, Atlantis completed 33 missions, spending a total of 306 days in space, orbiting the Earth 4,848 times, and traveling over 125 million miles.
Notable Missions
STS-61-B
Launched on November 26, 1985, STS-61-B was Atlantis's second mission. It deployed three satellites and featured two spacewalks, which tested construction techniques for building structures in space. This mission was crucial for future endeavors, such as the construction of the ISS.
STS-30
On May 4, 1989, Atlantis launched the Magellan spacecraft, which was tasked with mapping the surface of Venus. This mission marked the first time a planetary probe was deployed from a Space Shuttle, showcasing Atlantis's versatility in supporting interplanetary exploration.
STS-71
Atlantis played a key role in the Shuttle-Mir program, which was a collaborative effort between the United States and Russia. On June 27, 1995, STS-71 marked the first docking of a Space Shuttle with the Russian space station Mir. This mission was a significant milestone in international cooperation in space exploration.
STS-125
One of Atlantis's most critical missions was STS-125, launched on May 11, 2009. This mission was the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, ensuring its continued operation and scientific contributions. The mission involved five spacewalks to repair and upgrade the telescope's instruments.
Retirement and Legacy
Atlantis's final mission, STS-135, launched on July 8, 2011, and marked the end of the Space Shuttle program. This mission delivered supplies and equipment to the ISS, ensuring the station's continued operation. After its return on July 21, 2011, Atlantis was officially retired.
Today, Atlantis is displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, where it serves as an educational exhibit, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The shuttle's legacy is preserved through its contributions to space exploration, technological advancements, and international collaboration.
Technical Specifications
Atlantis was equipped with three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs), each capable of producing 470,000 pounds of thrust. The orbiter's payload bay measured 60 feet in length and 15 feet in diameter, allowing it to carry a wide range of payloads, including satellites, scientific instruments, and components for the ISS.
The shuttle's avionics systems were state-of-the-art for their time, featuring redundant flight control systems, advanced navigation systems, and a sophisticated data processing unit. Atlantis was also equipped with the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), commonly known as the Canadarm, which was used for deploying, retrieving, and servicing payloads in space.
Impact on Space Exploration
Atlantis played a crucial role in advancing human spaceflight and expanding our understanding of the universe. Its missions contributed to the development of the ISS, the repair and maintenance of the Hubble Space Telescope, and the deployment of numerous satellites and interplanetary probes.
The shuttle's ability to carry large payloads and perform complex missions demonstrated the versatility and capability of the Space Shuttle program. Atlantis's missions paved the way for future exploration efforts, including the development of new spacecraft and technologies for deep space exploration.