
STS-132 Overload (audio)
[audio:STS-132-Overload.mp3] The thundering power of space shuttle Atlantis’ twin Solid Rocket Boosters overwhelms the microphone, as recorded from the top of NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building.

STS-132 RSS Rollback (timelapse)
The Rotating Service Structure rolls back from the launch pad, revealing space shuttle Atlantis over the course of 45 minutes on the eve of her ‘first final flight’ as STS-132.

STS-132 Launch Panorama
Space shuttle Atlantis, STS-132, blasts off from LC-39A on her ‘first final flight’. This is an extremely wide panorama, encompassing an expansive view of the Florida coastline as seen from the top of NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building. Click image to view larger.

STS-132 Rollback
Space shuttle Atlantis, STS-132, stands revealed on the launch pad after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, the day before her ‘first final flight’. This is a small detail from a several hundred megapixel final composition.

Ascent Trail
Trailing a long plume of exhaust gases, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-132) heads for orbit from the Kennedy Space Centre.

Remote 1 Liftoff II
Space shuttle Atlantis, STS-132, soars into the clear Florida skies on her ‘first final flight’.

Level Roll
Pulling level with the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-132) has completed enough of her roll manouever to see directly between the External Tank and the orbiter itself.

VAB Liftoff
Space shuttle Atlantis, STS-132, clears the tower as seen from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

Remote 1 Liftoff
Space shuttle Atlantis, STS-132, soars into the clear Florida skies on her ‘first final flight’.