More photos of Atlantis – the final shuttle – can be seen on Universe Today here. Photographer Michael Deep is on location at Kennedy Space Center covering the launch, slated for Friday, July 8.

(Oh, and I’ll be there too.) 🙂

“For those of you who have ever had the opportunity to just stand underneath it and look up, the space shuttle is an incredible vehicle. I’ve always said the magic of the space shuttle is just its magnitude. It’s an immense vehicle and it’s gorgeous. Fortunately, we’re all going to get together and watch it launch one more time.”

– Atlantis commander Chris Ferguson

Can’t wait to “get together” to watch it!

(And check out even more great Atlantis photos on Spaceflight Now!)