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Final go for launch

Falcon1Falcon1 Elite Ranger
in Zocalo v2.0
So today is the day for the final space shuttle launch, weather permitting. I hope it manages to get a launch window as its really building towards a defining moment. It feels like an end of an era for me. With the 1st test flight taking place the year I was born I've always felt I'd grown up with the shuttle program and as a kid in the 80s was simply fascinated with shuttles, space exploration and NASA. Everyone at school wanted to be an astronaut. It was such an exciting time.

Its sad to see the programme come to an end and a shame that we never got to see the planned large fleet. Here's hoping a new era can begin.

Below is a link to a nice photo/video timeline put together by the BBC:

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14056002[/url]

Comments

  • WORFWORF The Burninator
    The launch is scheduled for when I'm on a train. I hope to be able to watch on my iPad, or it will be delayed an hour or so until I can get infront of a tv.

    It's a sad thing to see the shuttle programme come to an end, feels almost like giving up. :(
  • Random ChaosRandom Chaos Actually Carefully-selected Order in disguise
    I'll be at work, so I'll have to watch it after the fact. :(
  • MessiahMessiah Failed Experiment
    Well, with the stargåte, its no wonder less and less funding is going to outdated technology. :p
  • Falcon1Falcon1 Elite Ranger
    Lucky for me I'm working from home so fingers crossed can get to see it. Good luck with the reception on the train Worf!

    It does feel like giving up especially after all the challenges and the disasters that were over come along the way.

    Yeah Senator Kinsey is right. All this those tax payer dollars need to be accounted for and with the X-303 programme... ;)
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    I need to drive to a swamp at 4:30AM, so I will have to sleep through it. :( I'm hoping for a delay until Sunday...
  • WORFWORF The Burninator
    There is an iOS stream on NASA tv, seems to work nicely ;)

    Hopefully the launch won't be while I am on the underground.
  • Falcon1Falcon1 Elite Ranger
    Good stuff... hmm can't remember which bit of the tube has got wifi on it at the moment. On bit has it as a trial at the moment. Biggles you hunting gaters again? ;)
  • WORFWORF The Burninator
    I made it to my hotel with about a minute to spare, watched it on the 40" TV :D
  • Falcon1Falcon1 Elite Ranger
    Excellent dude!!! Great it made the window :D Decided to record the live feed from NASA's web stream using Camtasia. Got about 15mins worth.
  • ShadowDancerShadowDancer When I say, "Why aye, gadgie," in my heart I say, "Och aye, laddie." London, UK
    [QUOTE=Messiah;193052]Well, with the stargåte, its no wonder less and less funding is going to outdated technology. :p[/QUOTE]

    Nah they cancelled that too.

    End of an era. I'm sad to see the shuttle go, I think it'll be a long time before we see anything as ambitious again. Honestly I despair about the human race at time :(
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    I am conflicted. Happiness and sadness at once.

    [QUOTE=ShadowDancer;193060]Nah they cancelled that too.

    End of an era. I'm sad to see the shuttle go, I think it'll be a long time before we see anything as ambitious again. Honestly I despair about the human race at time :([/QUOTE]

    While I understand where your comment is coming from, I think it's a little misguided. One of the companies that NASA is funding as part of its commercial systems project is producing a lifting-body, reusable crew vehicle.
  • ShadowDancerShadowDancer When I say, "Why aye, gadgie," in my heart I say, "Och aye, laddie." London, UK
    I know, but I'm just yet to be convinced that these things will actually fly with humans. At the moment they're very promising, but whether or not they're economically viable remains to be seen IMO
  • A2597A2597 Fanboy
    was a beautiful launch. :)
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    We had the launch on in the Cafe, It was awesone, Did you see who wrote the fanfare for the final launch?

    [url]http://www.bearmccreary.com/blog/?p=6953[/url]
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