Where is qf2 now

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: QF2 is currently in storage at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, having completed its final mission in 2011. The orbiter was retired after 25 missions spanning 26 years of service, accumulating over 197 million miles in spaceflight. It is now preserved as part of NASA's Space Shuttle Program legacy, with no plans for future flights.

Key Facts

QF2 completed its final mission (STS-135) on July 21, 2011
QF2 flew 25 missions over 26 years from 1985 to 2011
QF2 accumulated 197,761,262 miles in spaceflight
QF2 spent 307 days in space across all missions
QF2 is currently stored at Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility

Overview

QF2, officially designated as Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104), was the fourth operational orbiter in NASA's Space Shuttle fleet. Constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, California, Atlantis was delivered to NASA in April 1985 and made its maiden flight (STS-51-J) on October 3, 1985. The shuttle was named after the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from 1930 to 1966, continuing NASA's tradition of naming orbiters after pioneering exploration vessels.

Throughout its operational life from 1985 to 2011, Atlantis played crucial roles in numerous landmark missions including the deployment of the Magellan and Galileo planetary probes, multiple Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, and construction of the International Space Station. The shuttle's final mission, STS-135, launched on July 8, 2011, marking the end of NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program. Following retirement, Atlantis became one of three surviving orbiters preserved for public display and historical significance.

How It Works

As a reusable spacecraft system, the Space Shuttle combined elements of rockets, aircraft, and spacecraft in a unique configuration.

Launch Configuration: Atlantis launched vertically using three main components: the orbiter itself (with three main engines), an external fuel tank containing 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen, and two solid rocket boosters providing 71% of thrust during initial ascent. The shuttle could carry up to 55,250 pounds to low Earth orbit.
Orbital Operations: Once in orbit, Atlantis operated as both a spacecraft and laboratory, with a payload bay measuring 60 feet long and 15 feet in diameter. The shuttle could remain in orbit for up to 17 days, supporting scientific experiments, satellite deployment, and space station construction with its robotic arm (Canadarm).
Re-entry and Landing: For return to Earth, Atlantis used its orbital maneuvering system engines to de-orbit, then re-entered the atmosphere at approximately 17,500 mph. The shuttle's thermal protection system, consisting of over 24,000 silica tiles, withstood temperatures up to 2,300°F during re-entry before gliding to a runway landing.
Processing Between Flights: After each mission, Atlantis underwent extensive refurbishment at Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility. This 3-4 month process included inspection of all 2.5 million parts, replacement of thermal protection tiles, and installation of mission-specific payloads for the next flight.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Space Shuttle Atlantis (QF2)	Space Shuttle Discovery
Total Missions Flown	25 missions	39 missions
Years of Service	1985-2011 (26 years)	1984-2011 (27 years)
Total Spaceflight Days	307 days	365 days
Distance Traveled	197.8 million miles	148.2 million miles
Current Location	Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex	Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center

Why It Matters

Technological Legacy: Atlantis contributed to numerous technological advancements, including the development of the International Space Station's core modules. The shuttle delivered and installed over 50,000 pounds of station components during its missions, representing approximately 20% of the station's total mass.
Scientific Contributions: The shuttle supported groundbreaking research across multiple disciplines. Atlantis alone conducted over 200 scientific experiments in microgravity, including materials science investigations that led to improved manufacturing processes on Earth and medical research that advanced understanding of human physiology in space.
Inspirational Impact: As the final shuttle to fly, Atlantis captured public imagination during its farewell mission. STS-135 attracted over 1 million visitors to the Kennedy Space Center area and generated an estimated $80 million in local economic impact, demonstrating continued public interest in human spaceflight.

Looking forward, Atlantis serves as both a historical artifact and educational tool, inspiring future generations of engineers and scientists. The shuttle's preservation ensures that its technological innovations and operational lessons continue to inform current and future space programs, including NASA's Artemis missions to return humans to the Moon and eventual Mars exploration. As commercial spaceflight evolves, the shuttle program's legacy of reusable spacecraft design remains particularly relevant, with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin building upon concepts pioneered during Atlantis's operational lifetime.