We set off at 2:15 AM and by 4 AM had passed through the various security checkpoints and found a spot in the general viewing area. We discovered how the experienced do it -- the Space Center opened at 9 PM last night and some people pitched tents in a prime viewing spot!
While we waited we watched the NASA TV countdown on a giant screen and a former astronaut provided commentary and answered questions from the crowd -- like "How do you go to the bathroom in space?"
Finally... a picture-perfect launch
At 6:05 the orbiting space shuttle appeared in the south-east and crossed in front of the moon towards the east.
At 6:21:25 the rocket launched the Discovery with a crew of 7 on a mission to rendez-vous with the shuttle
The dawn sunshine illuminated the smoke trails left by the rockets
By 8 Am the sun was up and the crowds (we estimated 10,000) had dispersed.
And in case you are wondering where we are: @ N 34deg 11min 14sec, W 79deg 50min 11sec; 120 ft. elevation.
i.e., Florence, SC
Exciting! Was it loud? You had a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteHow far away were you? Were there bleachers or something for you to sit on or did you sit on the ground (at least while you waited)?
ReplyDeleteTo Lynda - We heard the woosh -bang about 15 seconds after we saw the flare. It was loud. The ground shook. The launch has the power of a small nuclear bomb and would flatten everything within 3 miles. All operations (with elaborate checks that everyone except the astronauts are out of the area) move back 3.5 miles before ignition.
ReplyDeleteTo Mary - we were about 7 miles away in the Center visitor's area. We had a couple of blankets in the car that we took with us. Lots of people had brought beach chairs with them and NASA was doing good business selling folding chairs (the kind that go into a bag). We found some bleachers to sit on while we waited.