Photos: Rare Last Look Inside Shuttle Atlantis

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

A view from above of Atlantis' 60-foot-long payload bay.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

Atlantis' aft section as viewed from the side. The reflective insulation would normally be covered by one of the shuttle's two orbital maneuvering system (OMS) engine pods. The pods are being serviced and cleaned to make them safe for Atlantis' public display.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

The circular openings for Atlantis' three main engines. The engines will not be reinstalled as they are being retained by NASA for future re-use with the heavy-lift Space Launch System. Instead, replica engines comprised mostly of spent nozzles will be installed in the complete engines' place.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

The work platforms that surround Atlantis inside NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility-2 make it difficult at times to recognize the spacecraft enveloped within. The top of Atlantis' wings can be seen just below one of the levels.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

A view of the space shuttle Atlantis' tile-covered underbelly.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

A view of the space shuttle Atlantis' wheels and tile-covered underbelly.

Last Look Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

A view of the space shuttle Atlantis' tile-covered underbelly.

See more of Robert Pearlman's final tour of space shuttle Atlantis here: Rare Final Look Inside Atlantis.