15 Years Later, the Final NASA Space Shuttle Crew Reflects on a Historic Mission
In a poignant reunion at the Kennedy Space Center, the crew of the final NASA Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, gathered to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their historic flight. The crew, including Commander Christopher Ferguson, Pilot Douglas Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim, reminisced about their nearly flawless journey aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station in July 2011.
The mission, which lasted 13 days, showcased the shuttle's remarkable performance, with a particular focus on the challenging cargo transfer process. The crew's dedication and teamwork were on full display as they navigated a master alarm scare and a quirky bathroom door incident during the landing.
One of the most memorable aspects of the mission, according to Magnus, was the sheer volume of cargo moved between the shuttle and the ISS. With 8,000 pounds of supplies delivered to the station and 6,000 pounds returned to Earth, the crew had to be highly organized and efficient, creating a chaotic yet productive atmosphere.
The crew's post-shuttle careers have been diverse and impactful. Ferguson, Hurley, Magnus, and Walheim have all contributed to the advancement of space exploration. Ferguson joined Boeing's Starliner program, Walheim worked on Blue Origin's New Shepard, and Hurley, a true space veteran, commanded the first crewed SpaceX Dragon mission, Demo-2, in 2020, marking a significant milestone in NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Hurley's perspective on the shuttle versus Dragon missions is particularly insightful. He prefers the shuttle's manual control, stating, 'I could actually fly it most of the time.' This sentiment highlights the test pilots' inherent desire for control and the unique experience of operating a space shuttle.
The reunion at the Kennedy Space Center serves as a reminder of the legacy left by the Space Shuttle program and the crew's dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. As NASA continues to innovate and explore new frontiers, the contributions of these astronauts remain an integral part of our spacefaring history.
