Space Shuttle Atlantis - NASA’s Iconic Orbiter and Legacy of Space Exploration #16661 (License: Personal Use)

Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) was the fourth orbiter built for NASA’s Space Shuttle program, launching on its maiden flight in 1985 and completing 33 missions before retirement in 2011. It played a central role in assembling the International Space Station and deploying the Magellan and Galileo probes, as well as conducting five Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. Its sleek white thermal protection system, black nose and wing edges, and distinctive “United States” livery make it instantly recognizable.

This image is commonly used on space agency websites, museum exhibits, educational pages, and aerospace history articles. It supports user intent for learning about NASA’s shuttle era, spacecraft design, or planning visits to Atlantis’ permanent display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.