Space Shuttle Launch

[RocketMan]

Hi All!
It's been a while since I posted to the forum, so I thought I would share some pictures with you. As you may or may not know, I work as a quality inspector of parts for the space shuttle. It's a very cool job...and even though it may not last much longer, I'm very thankful and blessed to have had the chance to do something like this.
Anyway, I finally got the chance to see a shuttle launch Live and In Person! It was soooo awesome, it took my breath away! Enjoy the pics!
I'm leaving Friday to go deer huntin all next week, so don't get upset if I don't reply to your posts right away. I'll check back when I return.

[Christine]

:dance3:

Isn't it awesome!! There really is nothing quite like experiencing it in person... the power, the feelings, the rumble.... just, awesome.

Congrats..... once you've done one, it is addicting, so be prepared!

I live about 3 hours from Kennedy, so I can see the launches from my backyard, and even then I get teary and just, so proud. But up close, to where you can feel the vibrations through your whole body as it rumbles, forget teary... full on tears. It really is awe inspiring. :D

Where were those pics taken (where were you?)... I would love to get closer, but closest I've been is Astronaut Park across the River. (I'm assuming from landscape that that is Florida launch.)

Good luck hunting!

- Christine -

[Deep South]

Outstanding, Rocketman!:D

Thanks for sharing those pics.

[RocketMan]

Christine,
You're not kidding, I'm ready to go see another one! It's funny how a lot of people around Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral don't even go out to watch them anymore. I heard a lot of "I've seen hundreds of launches" from the locals and it's no big deal to them anymore. I'd be out there for every one! I can't imagine seeing one take off at night. I'm so glad I got to see a launch before they retire the shuttle. I'm making my plans and getting the homestead ready to move in after my job goes away with it.
Those pictures were taken right on Kennedy Space Center in front of the big vehicle assembly building. We were about 3 miles away from the launch pad.
Thanks for the comments guys! I'm off to huntin camp!

[Christine]

Wow... okay, I am jealous that you were that close! :D

*shakin' my head* See, I don't understand how people can get so blasé about it.

Not if you actually stop to think about everything, not to mention that this 'hunk of metal' goes up to the thermosphere, basically outer space. This is the same place that Aurora's normally occur.

And because of all the variations due to the Sun, the temperature changes that this layer goes through, not to mention air density variations, and so much more... all of that has to be taken into account.

I'll hush, even though there is so much more I could say! Sorry... just a peeve of mine. :dirol:

Yes, like you, I would be watching each and every launch that I could if I lived right there, but I'm also biased. My dad, not only was part of the early AF recovery crew (301st ARRS), if something happened on launch, but was somehow involved in 2 early missions. Unfortunately we lost one of the certificates during Andrew, but we know one of the missions was STS-4.

Night launches... oh. my. god. If you can, you have to go see one! Holy Cow. Talk about goose bumps. Darn, just thinking about it right now makes my heart skip a beat. And I can't afford that right now (been sick). :bad:

Just, go, if you can. Nothing quite like it....

Happy Hunting!

- Christine -