At the time of this launch, the shuttle program was on its final flights, with on concrete plans for their replacement. For fifty years America sent people into space, but soon it was to become dependant on Russia, the only nation with the capablity to send astronauts to the International Space Stations. Emotions were very mixed as we witnessed this liftoff and wondered would we ever return to manned space flight.
Note: Due to unexpected space flight demands, Atlantis was flown one more time, though at the time, this was expected to be its last launch.
© Eskildoodle 2021
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 