Astronautical-image of the Day: Space Shuttle launch and return

[mckitterick]

The Space Shuttle program is slated to be ended in 2010, with only about 10 launches remaining. For at least five years after that, the only way we - the US and NASA - will be able to get humans up to the Space Station and outward is by riding a foreign launch vehicle.

Have you seen a Shuttle launch? I haven't.

Here's the NASA launch schedule. I am going to see at least one Shuttle launch before the program ends, something we should all do. People attending next year's ICFA conference in Orlando, Florida, are planning a trip to Kennedy Space Center, and I think it would be awesome if NASA planned a launch that weekend.

Here's a video of the most-recent Space Shuttle mission, STS-123, a night launch:

And here's a shot of the Endeavor coming home:

Click the image to see the story.

See you at Kennedy.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[chernobylred.livejournal.com]

So after the Nebulas, that's going to be your next road trip? =D

[ericreynolds.livejournal.com]

I attended a shuttle launch January 1994. It was amazing! Right before dawn, right on time. You could feel the thunder from it in your chest and the exhaust from the boosters was too bright to gaze at for more than a second and it lit the whole area up.

BTW, was just listening to Talk of the Nation - Science Friday, discussion of planethood for Pluto and other bodies such as Ceres. I did NOT know that Ceres was covered with clay and that there might be an ocean beneath the surface. Ceres sounds more fascinating the more we learn about it. Can't wait until 2015 when Dawn arrives at Ceres (after visiting Vesta in 2011,2012).

[jensixstones.livejournal.com]

One spring break back in '88 or '89, I got to see a shuttle blast into space from a camp ground in Daytona. A few days later, I got to see the ginormous shuttle platform crawling back to the hangar. Very cool!

[emessar.livejournal.com]

I'd really like to see a shuttle launch before they discontinue them as well. Let me know if you want to put a group together. That could be a cool roadtrip.

[normalcyispasse.livejournal.com]

Y'know, ever since I was a kid I've wanted to watch a shuttle launch. I'd better get my ass in gear if that's going to become a reality.