NASA STS-135 Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission Space ISS Assembly Flight Patch

The NASA STS-135 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission stands as a milestone in human space history. This mission marked the very last flight of the Space Shuttle program, a true turning point after 30 years of exploration and innovation. Launching from Kennedy Space Center on July 8, 2011, Atlantis carried a crew of just four astronauts—the smallest shuttle crew since 1983. Their main objective was to deliver the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with vital supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station, making sure the ISS would continue operating smoothly as the world awaited new ways to reach space.

STS-135 wasn’t just about resupply. It pushed science forward with important experiments like the Robotic Refueling Mission, which showed how astronauts could help extend the lives of satellites and pave the way for even bolder operations in the future. The humanity and teamwork of the mission crew—Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim—captured the imagination of people worldwide. Millions tuned in to watch Atlantis blast off, dock with the ISS, and return safely to Earth, drawing the curtain on an era that had assembled the space station, launched the Hubble Telescope, and inspired generations.

What makes STS-135 unforgettable for space enthusiasts is not just its technology or achievements, but the way it tied together decades of dreams, effort, and progress. With this patch, you celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for international cooperation and deep-space exploration. For a front-row seat to history, explore video highlights of STS-135, including launch coverage, astronaut interviews, and cockpit views:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIYUe8agiRM
https://plus.nasa.gov/video/sts-135-mission-highlights/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3deA3BXAnHs