![The shuttle at the top of the tower during launch with flames shooting out its main engines and solid rocket motors.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/27625669004-d61d5df323-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-125 Mission
Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-125 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11, 2009, from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard were astronauts Scott Altman, commander; Gregory C. Johnson, pilot; Michael Good, Megan McArthur, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, and Andrew Feustel, all mission specialists. Atlantis' flight included five spacewalks that refurbished and upgraded the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that expanded Hubble's capabilities and extended its operational lifespan. The payload included the Wide Field Camera 3, a Fine Guidance Sensor, and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph.
Credits: NASA
TakenMay 11, 2009
Image CreditNASA
Size640x425px