The United States space shuttle program will end appropriately Friday here in Houston, the same place it all began.

The Atlantis returned to earth early Thursday morning, two weeks after departing for its — and the entire program's — final mission to the International Space Station.

On Friday, the four-member crew will come back to Houston for a public ceremony celebrating the program's 135th and final crew return.

Flight director Tony Ceccacci at Houston's Mission Control had this to say in his final address to his team:

"There work done in this room in this building will never again be duplicated. I believe that the accomplishments of the shuttle program will become the next set of shoulders of giants for the future programs to stand on. Hold your heads up high with pride as we close out the space shuttle program. You have earned it.

"Savor the moment. Soak it in and know you are the best — the best in the world. Your work here has made America and the world a better place. It has been an unbelievable and amazing journey. God bless you all, and God speed.”

The return ceremony will be held at Ellington Field NASA Aircraft Operations, Hangar 900, beginning at 4 p.m. The entrance is located at Highway 3 and Dixie Farm Road. It's open to the public, but those wishing to attend are advised to dress for heat conditions.

Watch a video tribute to the last flights here: