Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down on July 21 2011 and the shuttle program ended with it. By that point the machine was irreplaceable, not because it was precious but because it had been repaired and adapted so many times that every component was one of a kind. The only thing left to do was glide it home with no engines and one shot at the runway.

There is something worth sitting with in the fact that Doug Hurley piloted that final mission and then, six years later, commanded SpaceX Demo 2, the flight that put Americans back into orbit from American soil for the first time since Atlantis landed. Both ends of a twelve year gap. Same person. Artemis II splashdown is at 8:07 Eastern tomorrow and Jeremy Hansen is on board for his very first time in space. Someone on this show opened a Twitter account he hasn't touched in years just to find pictures of this crew every morning. That is the actual measure of what this mission has done to people.

Twelve years between then and now. The waiting is the part worth understanding.

Topics: Space Shuttle Atlantis final mission, Artemis II splashdown, Doug Hurley SpaceX, throwback Thursday 2011, Jeremy Hansen

Originally aired on 2026-04-09

Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down on July 21 2011 and the shuttle program ended with it. By that point the machine was irreplaceable, not because it was precious but because it had been repaired and adapted so many times that every component was one of a kind. The only thing left to do was glide it home with no engines and one shot at the runway.
There is something worth sitting with in the fact that Doug Hurley piloted that final mission and then, six years later, commanded SpaceX Demo 2, the flight that put Americans back into orbit from American soil for the first time since Atlantis landed. Both ends of a twelve year gap. Same person. Artemis II splashdown is at 8:07 Eastern tomorrow and Jeremy Hansen is on board for his very first time in space. Someone on this show opened a Twitter account he hasn't touched in years just to find pictures of this crew every morning. That is the actual measure of what this mission has done to people.
Twelve years between then and now. The waiting is the part worth understanding.
Topics: Space Shuttle Atlantis final mission, Artemis II splashdown, Doug Hurley SpaceX, throwback Thursday 2011, Jeremy Hansen
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-09

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.