THE FINAL LAUNCH OF AMERICAS MANNED SPACE PROGRAM

The Space Shuttle Atlantis blasted off into history as it took to the heavens in the final manned space mission of The United States space program. Beginning with the sub-orbital flight of Alan Shepard in May of 1961 Americans have ruled the skies and led the way in space exploration. Atlantis marks the end of more than 50 years of manned space missions.

God's speed Atlantis and may your journey be safe as you bring to a close an era of space flight and an end to one of the greatest eras of American discovery and ingenuity in our Nations history.

Ken Taylor