Space Shuttle Atlantis flipping over in orbit, allowing astronauts on the ISS to inspect its heat shield for damage (2011)

Atlantis in 2011 was the last flight, so there was no second orbiter standing by to launch a rescue. That is why she flew four crew instead of seven. Had the heat shield failed that inspection, they would have stayed aboard the station and come home one at a time on Soyuz, the last of them after about 340 days.

And if there was damage--what would be the remedy?

I miss those 3am sonic booms that rattled even the hurricane high impact windows when she passed over. 🥲

Still one of the coolest maneuvers in spaceflight history seeing Atlantis flip beneath the ISS for that heat-shield inspection was incredible.

The thing is what if there was damage… How are they gonna fix it?

When orbiters reveal their underside, it’s a sign of trust and comfort. It is not, however, an invitation for belly rubs.

sorry what is this banger of a song in the background

All bullshit all the time is brought to us by those who are the synagogue of satan in cooperation with central casting & pedophile playground propaganda productions. NASA part of a racketeering scheme that's defrauding the public

Someone needs to add Highlander to this video

🤡

Can you make this one reverse like the spinning arrows?

That’s so pretty!!

BACKFLIP

wouldnt they fall out

Question , who is videotaping this

lol fake

Upusi mtupu

So Cute