Hatch closes for final time between Atlantis and station

The hatch from shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station was officially closed at 8:43 a.m.

Next, Atlantis will undock from the space station for probably the last time.

This is Atlantis’ last schedule flight before the shuttle program is retired. Two missions remain before the program ends.

Once undocking is complete, Pilot Tony Antonelli will fly Atlantis around the station to inspect the manned outpost.

Crews from Atlantis and the station will have one last chance to take photographs of Atlantis’ final departure.

This is the vehicle’s 32nd flight and 11th to the station.

Landing is on schedule for Wednesday morning at Kennedy Space Center.