Photos: NASA's Last Space Shuttle Landing in History

One Last Shuttle Landing

Space shuttle Atlantis soars to a smooth touchdown during the final landing of the 30-year shuttle program. Landing occured at about 5:56 a.m.EDT on July 21, 2011 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Atlantis' Forward Fuselage and Crew Cabin Detail

Atlantis' name is visible below the crew cabin on the forward fuselage of the orbiter vehicle.

Starboard Exterior of Space Shuttle Atlantis

The starboard side of space shuttle atlantis bears the NASA logo, the words "United States" and the American flag.

Final Space Shuttle Landing Smiles

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Robert Cabana, director Kennedy Space Center, react to employee Kenneth C. McElroy, early Thursday July 21, 2011, after Bolden and Cabana addressed employees prior to the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Atlantis After Undocking by Astro_Ron

The space shuttle Atlantis pulls away from the International Space Station on July 19, 2011 after undocking for the final time. Astronaut Ron Garan tweeted this picture from the Space Station: "The view #FromSpace of Shuttle #Atlantis flyaround of #ISS today (7/19/11) from Sergei's bedroom window."

Atlantis Undocking as Seen by Astro_Ron

Astronaut Ron Garan tweeted this picture from the International Space Station: "The Last view #FromSpace of Shuttle #Atlantis Taken today (7/19/11) from Sergei's #ISS bedroom window."

International Space Station Seen by Atlantis' STS-135 Crew

This image of the International Space Station was taken by Atlantis' STS-135 crew during a fly around as the shuttle departed the station on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, FLight Day 12. STS-135 is the final shuttle mission to the orbital laboratory.