I had other things planned for today, but chose to share Endeavor's launch instead. My house is divided. Hubby thinks its great that we will no longer "waste" money on the shuttle program, but I'm sad. But then again, I'd be on the shuttle in a heartbeat if given a chance.
Here is a bit from the Associated Press:
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Endeavour blasted off on NASA's next-to-last shuttle flight, thundering through clouds into orbit Monday morning as the mission commander's wounded wife, Gabrielle Giffords, watched along with an exhilarated crowd well into the thousands.
NASA is winding down its 30-year-old shuttle program before embarking on something new. The event generated the kind of excitement seldom seen on Florida's Space Coast on such a grand scale — despite a delay of more than two weeks from the original launch date because of an electrical problem.
The shuttle quickly disappeared into the clouds, within seconds of liftoff.
Just before launching, commander Mark Kelly made some patriotic remarks: "It's in the DNA of our great country to reach for the stars and explore. We must not stop. To all the millions watching today, including our spouses, children, family and friends, we thank you for your support."
News Clip about Gabrielle Giffords coming to watch her husband lift off.
Suit Up and Walk Out
All Aboard
Lift Off
It would be nice if we had something to replace them but it doesn't seem like we do.
ReplyDeleteIt is a little sad isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI think that journeys to space will be within the private sector now. So, if you make enough money, you, I, or even mutt will/can go into space. So your dream of flying to the stars, Charity, will be more real than it could have been with the NASA space shuttle program.
ReplyDeleteHey Charity! I lived in Florida for most of my life, and we could see the shuttle go up even as far away as Tampa. It makes me sad that I'll never see that again, but hopefully other avenues for space travel will open up. Like the rocket I'm building in the back yard. This time, I'm sure it will work;)
ReplyDelete