This mission should really be followed closely by the USA media.

Mission Specialist Rex Walheim works aboard space shuttle Atlantis during Flight Day 2 of the STS-135 mission. (NASA TV)

This is a very historic time for NASA.

Docking day: Atlantis approaching International Space Station  (click title to entry - thank you)

By Greg Pallone

Reporter
Last Updated: Sunday, July 10, 2011 8:29 AM

COCOA --  Atlantis' crew is going through their checklist Sunday morning as they prepare the last ever docking of a shuttle at the International Space Station.

The crew awoke at 3:29 a.m. to the Electric Light Orchestra song "Mr. Blue Sky," played for STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson....

Space is a fronteer and the dedication of the people that have lined its history is no different than many of the American settlers that provided the westward movement of the USA.

Through hardship and loss this program has gone forward with dedication and bravery.  Space is no minor element to the reality that is Earth.  It can kill a person in a heartbeat given the dire consequences faced by these women and men. 

The staff that prepares the mission, launches it and protects the precious lives in capsules and space stations are vital to the success of space exploration.  We, as a nation, cannot be grateful enough to have them there doing what they love, but, not only that doing it as well as they do. 

The vehicles were never in better hands.  When they failed, they failed royally.  And in at least one instance and probably twice they failed because of political pressure that placed performance ahead of safety.  They did, however, fail and now it is time to move on.