Wheels Stopped

At almost 4:57 this morning, the last space shuttle mission came to an end when Atlantis' wheels came to a complete stop (wheels stop) at KSC.  STS-135 was a nearly flawless mission in just about every way possible.  God alone can make such smooth work happen. 

I think our friend Mike took this photo from the ISS of Atlantis re-entering Earth's orbit early this morning.  Look carefully in the upper right hand corner and you will see part of the Station. 

Hundreds of NASA employees and their families gathered here in Houston at JSC to watch live broadcasts of the landing happening in Florida.  I'm sure hundreds more were gathered at the landing strip at KSC to watch in person Atlantis arrive safely at home. It was bittersweet to see such a perfect mission come to an end.  While I know of at least 5 very happy kiddos that will be hugging on their daddies bunches today, many of us keep wondering why we couldn't have 'just one more'.  

Touchdown Atlantis

The shuttle program has been an inspiration to the world for 30 years.  Nothing will ever match the majesty of this craft.  All five orbiters are beautiful pieces of art and science that served humanity well.  For those that have poured love, sweat, and tears into NASA for the past 30 years or more, today is a strange day.  In the past, there has always been a new project just months from launch when one program came to an end.  It's an odd feeling.  Our music minister had us in stitches last night telling us his biggest fear is now having space rockets be built in back yards that will blow up this city on accident because folks who have done nothing else for over 40 years have nothing better to do!  That's not quite true, but I know a few folks who feel that way.  :)

Whether Congress realizes it or not, there are too many people like my husband that work at JSC, KSC, and the other NASA sites to let space exploration die.  It just won't happen.  Too many folks have spent their entire lives dreaming of traveling in space, and I don't think they will let ignorance stop those dreams that have driven their work for years.  Besides, I think God enjoys immense pleasure in watching His children explore this dimension of His creation. 

This feels so final, and in ways it is, but I see a huge '...to be continued' stamped across every NASA logo. 

Welcome home, Atlantis, and Godspeed to all that's to come.

*All photos courtesy of NASA.