What really happens during a space shuttle launch?

On July 8, 2011, NASA launched STS-135, the final Space Shuttle mission 🇺🇸 The shuttle you’re seeing here is Atlantis, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center for the very last time. This launch marked the end of the Space Shuttle program after 30 years of missions: Building the International Space Station Launching legendary space missions Carrying astronauts safely into orbit After this flight, the shuttles were retired forever. No more reusable wings. No more iconic shuttle landings. Truly… t