Posted on 07/25/2005 4:24:13 PM PDT by OXENinFLA
Poised for Liftoff
Space Shuttle Discovery rests in full view on the launch pad. Image above: The rolling back of Launch Pad 39B's Rotating Service Structure reveals orbiter Discovery. + Click for larger image. Image credit: NASA/KSC
Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114, NASA's Return to Flight mission, is set for Tuesday at 10:39 a.m. EDT.
The launch pad's Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was rolled away from Discovery at 3:38 p.m. on Monday. When in place, the giant enveloping appendage is used to install payloads into an orbiter's cargo bay and provide protection from inclement weather. With the RSS now out of the way, propellant loading is set to begin after midnight Tuesday morning with the pumping of more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the vehicle's orange External Tank.
The chance of Kennedy weather cooperating for the launch remains at 60 percent.
First Lady Laura Bush will join other dignitaries and VIPs at Kennedy for the Return to Flight liftoff, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced earlier today.
"Here we go!!!!!"
We just went and looking good so far at separation.
Go USA!
Over 50 miles downrange. Three engines burning.
I've never seen such clear shots. This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Godspeed to them all.
YAY
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL.
SOmeone post them please.
They got more cameras on this launch and vehicle than a paparazzi on Oscar night.
Lookit you! Brave heroes indeed, as America returns to Space...
Remember the little blips up in space in the early sixties. How amazed we were??
IT'S STILL AMAZING!!!
Godspeed!
Thanks for the CSPAN link. The other streamers crapped out just before launch.
I love this camera on the external fuel tank!
SpaceflightNow.com
1441 GMT (10:41 a.m. EDT)
T+plus 2 minutes, 10 seconds. The twin solid rocket boosters have done their job and separated from the space shuttle Discovery. The shuttle continues its climb to orbit on the power of the three liquid-fueled main engines.
The pictures are amazing, vivid colors and great resolution.
Beautiful INDEED! Always a great feeling to see a shuttle go into space! GOOD STUFF this morning!
17,000 mph at it's peak -- wow. Can you imagine THAT? I cannot.
Does anyone have the link to the site that tracks when the shuttle and satellites are visible overhead?
This is such a miracle. And what other country can compete with this? I get so mad when I hear how ignorant Americans are. Bah!
The best pictures ever..
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