Space shuttle Atlantis lands for final time

Cape Canaveral:  Space shuttle Atlantis returned from orbit for the last time yesterday, closing out a 25-year flying career and safely bringing back six astronauts who boosted the International Space Station's power and size.

The smooth landing was indicative of the entire 12-day mission — Nasa's third-to-last shuttle flight.

"That was pretty sweet," Mission Control radioed after Atlantis glided through a clear morning sky and rolled down the runway. "That was a suiting end to an incredible mission."

Commander Kenneth Ham said he was ready to turn the shuttle over to the ground teams and get Atlantis "back in the barn for a little bit".

Mission Control had monitored storms throughout the early hours, but they dissipated by daybreak and remained at a safe distance. The cockpit erupted in cheers when Mission Control finally radioed up the "go" to come home.

About 1,200 guests lined the Kennedy Space Centre runway to welcome Atlantis and its crew home, the maximum allowable crowd. The lead flight directors for the space station construction mission came in from Houston for the event. Space centre employees wore white ribbons with the name "Atlantis" and its picture embossed in gold.

"The legacy of Atlantis now in the history books," Mission Control's commentator announced at touchdown.

This was Atlantis' 32nd journey. The shuttle logged its 193 million kilometres shortly after midnight. Only two shuttle missions remain, by Nasa's two other spaceships. Nasa is pushing for one more flight for Atlantis.