posted 05-29-2026 12:03 PM               

STS-135 Anniversary — Atlantis' Final Flight

July 10 - 12, 2026

Commemorate the 15th anniversary of STS‑135, the final mission of space shuttle Atlantis, and the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program.

This July, the final crew to fly Atlantis returns to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience beneath the orbiter itself. During fireside chat‑style conversations*, astronauts who flew the mission that marked the end of the Space Shuttle Program will share personal stories from the flight that concluded an era in human spaceflight.

Moderated by Mike Leinbach, the final Launch Director of the Space Shuttle Program, these conversations offer rare, behind‑the‑scenes insight into this last mission and the space shuttle legacy. Following each discussion, meet the astronauts and capture a photo, taking home a lasting memory. Please note that no autographs will be offered.

This Weekend's Schedule of Events:

Friday, July 10
• 2:00 PM – Fireside chat in Journey To Mars with Doug Hurley and Sandy Magnus, hosted by a visitor complex space expert. A brief question and answer session will follow if time allows.

• 3:00 PM – Meet and greet with photos on the top floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis with Hurley and Magnus.

  Saturday, July 11

• 1:00 – 1:40 PM – Annual passholder meet and greet with the entire STS-135 crew: Chris Ferguson, Sandy Magnus, Rex Walheim, Doug Hurley

• 2:00 PM – Fireside chat on the bottom floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis with the full STS-135 crew, hosted by Mike Leinbach

• 3:30 – 4:30 PM – Meet and greet with photos on the top floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis with the STS-135 crew.

• 8:50 PM – The celebration continues this evening with a patriotic drone show over the Rocket Garden, so plan to stay the whole day!

  Sunday, July 12

• 2:00 PM – Fireside chat in Journey To Mars with Rex Walheim and Chris Ferguson, hosted by a visitor complex space expert. A brief question and answer session will follow if time allows.

• 3:00 PM – Meet and greet with photos on the top floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis with Walheim and Ferguson.

*Seating is limited for the fireside chat-style conversations and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.