The Space Shuttle is Retiring

Did you know that the space shuttle is going to retire in a few years? It is mind-boggling to me just how long these space crafts have been hopping into and out of orbit around the earth.

Unfortunately, once the space shuttle retires, the US is going to be earth-bound for several years as the craft that will replace the space shuttle is being delayed due to budget cuts.

Atlantis is going to undergo some repairs as the hail damage was apparently pretty severe. The flight will have to wait until the Russian trip to the space station is completed. They're sending up a new crew.

What will Atlantis be charged with accomplishing?

According to the NASA web site, "During the 11-day mission, the six-member crew will install a new truss segment, retract a set of solar arrays and unfold a new set on the starboard side of the station. Lessons learned from two previous missions will provide the astronauts with new techniques and tools to perform their duties."

If you were to read through the various missions, you can see how they each build upon each other. It's quite fantastic to think of the progress that the space program has made in my lifetime. Ok, I was 4 years old when the first footsteps were placed on the moon's surface. Now, we zip back and forth into space with such regularity that most people don't even watch the launches or landings anymore.

I need to get my children to spend more time on the NASA web site. There is enough information on that site to keep anyone busy for days and days.

Happy Learning!