Unfortunately, I won't be able to take part in Patti Abbott's Forgotten Books Friday feature this week, but I have a very good reason. I had a NASA guest pass to view the following from three miles out — absolutely amazing, but also quite possibly the very last NASA nighttime manned mission at the Cape, ever. No more "to infinity and beyond?"
That IS a good reason--it's an amazing sight. I had the good fortune to see Atlantis take off at night about fourteen years ago, but I wasn't anywhere near as close as you were.
Posted by: Alan Orloff | February 12, 2010 at 12:03 PM
It's much better in person than on TV, isn't it? I so wish that every American could see a launch of the shuttle, because not only is it awe-inspiring, but it could help spur more interest in space exploration. Alas, there are only 4 more launch opportunities before the end.
Posted by: BV Lawson | February 12, 2010 at 02:08 PM
That sounds just wonderful. Have a fabulous time.
Terrie
Posted by: Terrie Farley Moran | February 12, 2010 at 10:58 PM
I am soooo jealous. I've always wanted to attend a launch. Doesn't even have to be a night launch, I'm not choosy.
Posted by: Naomi Johnson | February 12, 2010 at 11:00 PM
There are four more launches left, I believe, Naomi. You can catch a launch from the KSC Visitor's Center (which we did once). It's 6 miles away, but still afford a lovely view of the launch, even though you can't see it sitting on the pad. Here's the NASA shuttle site for more details: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main
Posted by: BV Lawson | February 13, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Thanks for the well wishes, Terrie! Wish you could have seen it, too. Night turns to day, and the sound wave that hits a few seconds after is incredible. The only thing better would have been to actually be aboard!
Posted by: BV Lawson | February 13, 2010 at 10:19 AM