Obama hails shuttle Atlantis' final flight

 　　WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday hailed space shuttle Atlantis' final flight in NASA's shuttle program, saying Americans across the country watched with pride as America reached for the heavens once more.

　　Obama expressed his "sincere gratitude¹" to Atlantis astronauts and space workers because they "helped our country lead the space age."

　　"Today's launch may mark the final flight of the space shuttle, " Obama said in a statement. "But it propels us into the next era of our never-ending adventure to push the very frontiers of exploration and discovery in space."

　　Friday's flight is the 33rd voyage for Atlantis. Its return to the earth later this month will mark the end of the 30-year shuttle program.

　　"What a truly awesome² day today," said NASA Associate Administrator³ for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier at the STS- 135 postlaunch news conference. "What you saw is the finest launch team and shuttle preparation teams in the world."

　　"It truly was an awesome, spectacular launch," added Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, who looked ahead to plans for future development beyond the shuttle program as space station operations continue.

　　Atlantis will be the last shuttle to be retired⁴. Discovery was first in March, followed by Endeavour at the beginning of June. Each shuttle will head to a museum.

　　When the U.S. space shuttle program officially ends later this year, the Russian space program's Soyuz capsule will be the only method for transporting astronauts to and from the station.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)

1 gratitude   

adj.感激，感谢

参考例句：

• I have expressed the depth of my gratitude to him.我向他表示了深切的谢意。
• She could not help her tears of gratitude rolling down her face.她感激的泪珠禁不住沿着面颊流了下来。

2 awesome   

adj.令人惊叹的，难得吓人的，很好的

参考例句：

• The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
• That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.

3 administrator   

n.经营管理者，行政官员

参考例句：

• The role of administrator absorbed much of Ben's energy.行政职务耗掉本很多精力。
• He has proved himself capable as administrator.他表现出管理才能。

4 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。