Looking Up: Space Shuttle Launch Recap

This was the first time I saw a space shuttle launch from Space View Park. You can find out more about this public park from this link. In fact, I met the webmaster of that link. Cool guy.

We were pleased that so many of our friends were able to make the trek to the park. Everyone helped out. Some brought food, and some helped others get there in time for the launch. Here's a picture of some of the happy crew.

...and speaking of food, I'm pretty sure we were the only ones with antipasto. Check it out...

The countdown went very smoothly and the shuttle actually lifted off on time. I was quite surprised. the weather was almost perfect except for a few clouds. I like the way Danielle explained the launch. She said it was like a sunrise that lasted only 90 seconds. The shuttle really lit up the black sky. I didn't even think it was going to be so bright. It was amazing to think that astronauts were atop that fireball. It was fun to watch such incredible power being managed by modern technology.

Some of you might wonder if we have any pictures or video. Actually, we don't. I wanted to take some, but this was my first night launch this close and I really wanted to just enjoy the moment since it didn't last very long. While driving back Danielle turned to me and said she finally understood why I get excited about this stuff. She admitted she cried as the shuttle was taking off.

Isn't "the experience" an important part about being human? For all the words one can use to describe something, sharing an experience is mightier than any description. As the old saying goes, you can't explain color to a blind person. You just can't tell them that blue is yellow plus green. When you actually see color, you understand what it's all about.

There aren't too many shuttle flights left. The remaining three space shuttles will be retired in 2010 and there will likely be a five year gap before the new Ares rockets will be ready to launch. I hate to think that we will miss these events for five years. It makes me want to go see each remaining launch. In fact, since things went so well I'm thinking about how to pull off another one of these in a "bigger and better" way. Stay tuned for those ideas.

NASA TV did broadcast the launch in HD. Here's the video (you can skip ahead 8 minutes to get to the actual launch)...