The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on Friday June 8th, 2007 from the Kennedy Space Center. Anyone who hasn’t seen a shuttle launch LIVE should get their ass to Florida. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-117 Mission Patch

Your chances to see a live shuttle launch are running out however as NASA is due to retire the shuttle program sometime in 2010 assuming everything goes to plan in assembling the ISS. (International Space Station)

The Shuttle will be replaced by the new CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle) which will be used to ferry Astronauts and supplies to and from the ISS as well as take Americans back to the Moon and on to Mars. In order to keep with that deadline NASA will have to launch a shuttle every 3 to 4 month over the next 3 years. STS-118 is scheduled to launch in August.

Crank your speakers and listen to this beast. Considering its 30 year old technology the power of this vehicle is staggering.