In 2003, the Columbia broke up during re-entry over Texas. In 1986, the Challenger exploded during launch. The fleet has taken astronauts on dozens of successful missions, resulting in immeasurable scientific gains. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.In its nearly 30-year history, the space shuttle program has seen exhilarating highs and devastating lows. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. IStockPhoto, May 4, 2015, Space Shuttle Flying Over The Clouds stock photoģDsculptor, accessed Aug. 10, Space Shuttle Flying Over The Clouds. NASA, July 8, 2021, 10 Years Ago: STS-135, the Space Shuttle’s Grand Finale 5, 2020, 35 Years Ago: STS-51J – First Flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis The picture is a stock image created by a 3D animator who specializes in space and science concepts. These are either my photos or 3d renders.' Our rating: Falseīased on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that an image shows Atlantis launching into space. I never use other people's images (NASA or others). 'Specifically, this image is a composition of the background of clouds, which I made from the porthole of an airplane and my 3d model of the Space Shuttle, which I made a long time ago just from photos from the Internet. 'I am a freelance artist and I sell my 3D images and 3D animations on many photo stocks such as Shutterstock, Adobestock, Istock and others,' McClane said. McClane confirmed he created the image in the Facebook post.įact check: Purported ISS selfie was digitally altered to add lights from earth In an email to USA TODAY, the creator explained that his name is Konstantin McClane and he is located in Spain. The image is featured on the creator's website as well which describes the artist's work as 'Stock images, animations, and 3D models for your creative projects.' Science And Space And Of Course Concepts.'

The description listed on their Shutterstock profile says, '3D Animator. The creator, '3Dsculptor,' has profiles on both websites displaying other space photos and animated sculptures. 3D Scene.' According to iStockPhoto, it was created on May 4, 2015, four years after Atlantis had its final mission.įact check: Supposed UFO video is computer-generated imagery The image is titled 'Space Shuttle Flying Over The Clouds. Though the Facebook image shows a shuttle resembling Atlantis, it's a rotated version of a stock photo that can be found on websites such as Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. The shuttle is now on display at the Kennedy Space Center. It left the Kennedy Space Station in Florida for its final mission on July 8, 2011. NASA's Atlantis shuttle first launched into Earth's orbit on Oct. Image is stock photo created by 3D animator USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the claim for comment. It's a stock image created by a 3D animator who specializes in space and science concepts.įollow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Other viral iterations have been shared on Facebook.īut it is not a real photo captured by NASA. The post has been liked over 1,000 times. 'Space Vehicles like Atlantis have proven how Technologically advanced we have become to travel out of our home planet and reach the weightless environment of space.' The post credits NASA for the picture. 'Meet NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis making its way into Space,' reads the Aug. The claim: Image shows NASA's Atlantis shuttle launching into spaceĪn image shared on Facebook appears to show a shuttle launching into space.

Nasa space shuttle photo