The Frontier Laid Out in Black & White

I've been admiring the extensive universe map you have available for a little while now, and I've been wondering if source data (coordinates, classes, jump-line doubles) might be available. I recently created an SVG map of the Gemini sector (attached for your reference) for my personal use, printed so that I might better plan cargon runs when on solid ground, and while it is stylistically simple, I find it is both useful and has a certain sense of beauty

I began to imagine what a wonder a grand map might look like, how refreshing it would be to control its styling easily and so on. The only trouble is that to re-plot each star would be a rather onerous task---Gemini wasn't so bad with only 69 stars and 82 routes, but it still took some time to get it right, sadly. In the hope that I migth save myself considerable trouble, I thought I might ask.

Atlantis' Last Launch

And she's away! The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched this morning on the final flight of the space shuttle. STS-135 is carrying a new supply module and conducting various scientific experiments. It will orbit Earth for a planned 12 days and then land at Kennedy Space Center to conclude the shuttle program. Check our some gorgeous launch pictures below.