15 Years Later, the Final NASA Space Shuttle Crew Reflects on a Historic Mission
In a heartwarming reunion at Kennedy Space Center, the crew of the final NASA Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, gathered to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their extraordinary journey. This crew, led by Commander Christopher Ferguson, Pilot Douglas Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim, embarked on a mission that would forever mark the end of an era in space exploration.
The STS-135 crew reminisced about their nearly flawless performance during the last mission of the Space Shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station in July 2011. Their recollections painted a vivid picture of a mission filled with both excitement and unexpected challenges.
One of the most memorable moments, according to the crew, was the master alarm that caused a scare about a week into the flight. As they were sleeping onboard Atlantis, the alarm signaled a potential issue with one of the general purpose computers. The crew had to spend two hours troubleshooting, showcasing their resilience and quick thinking.
Pilot Douglas Hurley, in his remarks, emphasized the exceptional performance of the shuttle. He stated, 'Just being the last flight, being the last orbiter that got to fly, and just how well it performed... we had literally almost a flawless mission.' This sentiment reflects the dedication and expertise of the crew and the engineers who prepared the shuttle for its final journey.
Mission Specialist Rex Walheim shared a unique quirk of Atlantis, which he found amusing. During the landing, the vibrations caused the bathroom door to swing open and slam against the ladder, creating a loud 'bang' that startled the crew. This unexpected occurrence added a touch of humor to an otherwise serious mission.
The mission's complexity was further highlighted by Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, who described the sheer amount of cargo moved on and off the space station. Around 8,000 pounds of supplies were transferred to the ISS, and approximately 6,000 pounds were loaded onto the shuttle for return to Earth. Magnus recalled the chaotic scene, where the crew had to manage the mess and find space for the bags, creating a challenging yet essential part of the mission.
The crew's post-retirement careers have been equally impressive. Commander Ferguson joined Boeing's Starliner spacecraft program, contributing to the development of the next-generation spacecraft. Rex Walheim worked on Blue Origin's suborbital New Shepard program, pushing the boundaries of space travel. Douglas Hurley, after commanding STS-135, became the first person to command the crewed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft mission, Demo-2, in May 2020. This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first crewed orbital launch from Florida since the final shuttle mission.
When asked about his preference between the Space Shuttle and the SpaceX Dragon, Douglas Hurley expressed his fondness for the shuttle's controllability. He said, 'I choose the shuttle because I could actually fly it most of the time... (As) test pilots, we just like to be in control.' This sentiment highlights the crew's passion for hands-on control during space missions.
The reunion at Kennedy Space Center served as a reminder of the crew's dedication and the impact of their work. It also sparked discussions about the evolution of space exploration and the challenges that lie ahead. As the space industry continues to advance, the legacy of the STS-135 crew and their remarkable mission will undoubtedly inspire future generations of astronauts and engineers.
