Atlantis STS-135 Mission Is Go: Space Shuttle's Final Launch A Success

Space Shuttle Atlantis launched successfully this morning, the final flight of the Space Shuttle program, on mission STS-135 to the International Space Station. Traveling at up to 15,000mph, Atlantis is expected to reach the ISS on Sunday morning, where it will deliver supplies, replacement components and the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, as well as carry out scientific experiments including some on yeast.

For many, however, the most momentous aspect of STS-135 was the fact that it marks the end of a three-decade long chapter in space exploration. "After 30 years of adventure and excitement, the shuttle proved once again it can surprise and thrill" NASA said of the launch.

You can watch the launch at NASA's STS-135 minisite, as well as keep up to date with the ongoing mission as it continues over the next twelve days. There's also a new Android app, to accompany the existing iOS app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, from which you can watch videos, find out information about space, and track the Atlantis mission.