The Last Time

I was watching NASA TV, as Shuttle Atlantis descended to its final landing.

My house shook, twice.

I was momentarily startled, as I had thought that Atlantis was too far south for its transition to subsonic speeds to be heard.

This will be the last time that solid 'double-tap' sonic boom will be heard.

As I watched, the ghostly infrared image descended, getting closer and closer to its landing strip, and my heart ascended to my throat as it flared out, wheels extended ...

And it touched down.

Welcome home, Atlantis.

The Shuttle Transportation System program is over.