Space shuttle Atlantis has been cleared for lift off from the Kennedy Space Center on July 8th at 11:26am EDT, marking the final flight of NASA's 30-year shuttle program. The crew of 4 astronauts will be delivering a year's worth of food, clothing, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station.

"This flight is incredibly important to the space station. The cargo that is coming up on this flight is really mandatory," said NASA's spaceflight chief Bill Gerstenmaier.

Atlantis is the 135th and last shuttle to fly, with no backup. The crew has been minimalized to accommodate the smaller Russian Soyuz spacecraft that will be used to fly the Atlantis astronauts home in case the shuttle gets damaged during the mission.

Orbital debris has been a major threat this week, delaying preparations for Atlantis' arrival. On Tuesday, debris came within 335 meters (1,100 feet) of the space station, causing the crew to seek shelter in the Soyuz escape capsules. It was the second time in the station's history that the crew had to take such cover.

"It was probably the closest object that's actually come by (the) space station," Gerstenmaier said.

When Atlantis returns from this 12-day trip, it will be put on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Source: Reuters, Photo: NASA

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