. There was still the anticipation of the launch but we all worried about the “Ground Hog Day" movie effect. I went for another long bike ride after breakfast. Barb did the last minute shopping and made one more walk to her beloved beach. By 1 p.m. we drove out to the KSC.It is Sunday. Most of Orlando must have gravitated to the area to enjoy the weather, the beach, and the launch. Cocoa Beach is one of the best views for a launch.
KSC was much more crowded than Wednesday. By 4 p.m. we stood in line for the sh
uttle buses. A good sign since we didn’t make it to that point on Wednesday. We were bused to the causeway, the bridge over the Banana River that has a direct view of the launch pad, six miles away. The site was a mix of tourists who had been able to purchase the coveted tickets on line and the gathering friends of the crew’s family. We unfolded our carried in chairs and sat with Cam and Kay, Ceil and Dennis, and Cliff, friends of the Steves. Next to us sat Lisa and Eddie with their two young children. Lisa is a member of a Bible study group with Janeen, in Houston.The countdown continued over the live feed of NASA audio. We heard what anyone would have heard that watche
d NASA TV. Launch control and Houston, as well as monitor points around the world checked in as the countdown progressed. The support appendages were pulled from the vehicle, the countdown entered the single digits. Pops, then a cloud engulfed the shuttle. The orange glow in the shape of a spear emerged from the cloud then the noise hit us. At 7:43 PM ( right on time), EDT, almost dreamlike, and with the vehicle emerging from the cloud into the clear blue sky it took on a large smoke trail heading into space. The audio announced separation and the two boosters dro
pped from the glow, forming their own droplets of light falling to the earth. We stood in awe and did not make haste to leave.God Speed STS-119 and thanks
for a great show and thanks for a great ride.Pictures: The Causeway, thousands with tickets are 6 miles from launch.
Group gathering. Joe Acaba, former teacher in Florida. Scientist, now astronaut.
Blast off. Escape to orbit. And finally left, boosters drop.
God Speed STS-119. GOD SPEED
1 comment:
Simply AWESOME! I'm so glad you've had the wonderful opportunity to experience this amazing event! Thank you for sharing with us, I feel like we have been there with you. :)
God bless
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