Last shuttle re-entry, as seen from Space Station

Shuttle Atlantis' final return to Earth, as seen from the International Space Station. This picture comes from the NASA Image of the Day.

Shuttle transits the Sun

Space Shuttle Atlantis was photographed in silhouette against the Sun on May 13th by French astrophotographer Thierry Legault, while in Florida. The shuttle's transit across the Sun lasted only 0.8 seconds, and this picture was taken before the shuttle caught up with Hubble. See Legault's website for other other very nice astronomy pictures.

Shuttle mission to Hubble

Space shuttle Atlantis launched today, to service the Hubble Space Telescope for the forth and final time. Astronauts will replace several new cameras and
spectrographs (which will be used to measure the composition of stars, planets, galaxies, etc), and repair others. Astronauts will also replace one of two redundant devices that handle data, will replace Hubble's batteries, and will replace all of the HST's six gyroscopes (which orient the telescope), of which only half now work. One of three Fine Guidance Sensors--which also help point the telescope and are used to hunt for extra-solar planets--will also be replaced. A ring will also be attached to the telescope's backend, so that a rocket can at a later date be attached and used to deorbit Hubble at the end of its life. Hubble has been operating for 18 years, and has been one of the most productive telescopes ever. This servicing mission should extend its life for another 5+ years.