With Atlantis launch, shuttle program is history (roundup)

Mission STS-135 for the space shuttle Atlantis marks the end of the three-decade U.S. shuttle program and a fundamental shift in focus for NASA.

Shuttle Atlantis rockets into history

After a cliff-hanger countdown, the space shuttle Atlantis rockets into orbit, putting on one last show for spectators jamming area roads and beaches to witness NASA's 135th and final shuttle launch.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by William Harwood)
July 8, 2011 2:05 p.m. PT

A bittersweet end for space shuttle program

With Atlantis set to lift off for the shuttle fleet's very last flight, NASA faces the hard reality of layoffs and questions about America's commitment to leadership in space.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by William Harwood)
July 8, 2011 4:00 a.m. PT

ISS floating orbs to get Nexus S phones

Atlantis is set to carry into orbit two Nexus S phones that will turn a trio of floating satellites on the International Space Station into remote-operated robots.
(Posted in Crave by Tim Hornyak)
July 7, 2011 6:27 p.m. PT

Shuttle Atlantis poised for final mission

Assuming the weather cooperates, a crew of four will lift off Friday morning on the very last flight ever for NASA's space shuttles.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by William Harwood)
July 7, 2011 7:15 a.m. PT

SmartPlanet: Can the U.S. really endure a manned space hiatus?

NASA's final space shuttle mission countdown is under way and the handwringing over a manned-flight hiatus is picking up.
More from SmartPlanet:
• Video: Is futuristic Skylon the space shuttle of tomorrow?
• Track the final space shuttle with this app
• What happens to retired space shuttles?
(Posted at SmartPlanet by Larry Dignan)
July 7, 2011 7:17 a.m. PT

Two iPhones to hitch a ride on last shuttle mission

The iPhones will be used for space research aboard the International Space Station for several months, according to Odyssey Space Research.
(Posted in The Digital Home by Don Reisinger)
June 10, 2011 10:50 a.m. PT

Endeavour ends final mission with smooth landing

The space shuttle returned to Earth today, wrapping up its 25th and final mission and setting the stage for launch of the Atlantis next month on the program's final voyage.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by William Harwood)
June 1, 2011 5:11 a.m. PT

Shuttle Discovery bids space station final farewell

With pilot Eric Boe at the controls, the shuttle undocks from the International Space Station to wrap up a successful assembly and resupply mission, its final visit to the outpost.
(Posted in The Digital Home by Don Reisinger)
March 7, 2011 3:11 p.m. PT

previous coverage

Space shuttle program hits 30-year mark

In April 1981, the orbiter Columbia rode its rocket boosters into space and into the history books. Some 130 missions later, the shuttle fleet is on the cusp of retirement.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by Jonathan Skillings)
April 12, 2011 4:00 a.m. PT

When the space shuttle hitches a ride (photos)

The space shuttle flies just fine on its own in orbit and when landing. But to move between NASA sites on Earth, it goes piggyback on a 747.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by Jonathan Skillings)
February 25, 2011 6:26 a.m. PT

NASA's Endeavour on cusp of final flight (photos)

A look back at NASA history as the space shuttle Endeavour prepares for its last trip into Earth's orbit.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by James Martin)
April 29, 2011 4:00 a.m. PT

Historic legacy for NASA's pioneering shuttle Discovery (photos)

Accomplished NASA shuttle Discovery retires following 39th mission. Here's a look back at some highlights.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by James Martin)
February 21, 2011 4:00 a.m. PT