As Always . . . for Almost the Last Time

As always, we were heard and felt the two booms a short while ago. As always, the cat was terrified, and tore through the house, looking for a hiding place. And, as always, we were grateful.

Yes, grateful - grateful that our shuttle has once again brought our space heroes safely back to earth, under the expert guidance of the incredible expertise of our folks at NASA. As always, for almost the last time... and (unless Washington approves a special request) the very last time for Atlantis.

Atlantis has flown more than 120 million miles over more than two decades, serving the US human space flight program well. Since 1985, she's been such an amaziing work horse, having done so much for us ... she's been to Hubble, docked with Mir, launched a probe to Jupiter, and, of course made all those trips to the ISS.

Today's landing marks the beginning of the end of an era, with only two more shuttle missions scheduled - one for each of the two remaining shuttles. It's been a glorious era ... and we're sad to see it drawing to a close. Sad for too many reasons to go into here, but I'm sure there are many who will understand.

And "sad" is just one of the words that comes to mind.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, ATLANTIS.