Atlantis safely back on Earth
Shuttle landing signals end of an era
Web Producer: Brooke Morgan
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL. (KGUN9-TV/AP) - It is the end of the shuttle era for NASA. The space shuttle Atlantis is back on Earth, after completing its final mission early this morning.
Atlantis and its four astronauts glided through the twilight Thursday and landed in Florida shortly before sunrise.
According to the Associated Press, hundreds gathered near the runway to welcome Atlantis home - and to bid NASA's 30-year space shuttle program goodbye.
Atlantis' successful space station restocking mission closed out the shuttle era.
This was a true homecoming for Atlantis. The next-to-youngest shuttle will remain at Kennedy Space Center and be put on display.
NASA's next stop with astronauts will be an asteroid, then Mars. Private companies will take over trips to the International Space Station.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.