Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Live Thread 2:38 EDT (Successful launch -- Discovery in Space)

07/04/06 | Kevin Davis

[KevinDavis]

Third time the charm?

[Dr. Eckleburg]

God speed.

"Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." -- Psalm 55:6

[Global2010]

LOL Always a party crasher in the crowd. : (

[Ladysmith]

Cool! Here we go again!

[Politicalities]

Me too, and I'll buy his limited-edition signed hardcover when he comes out with it, too. That kind of talent deserves to be rewarded.

[Pirate21]

I saw one firework show.. Now for another one later..

You're not talking about this, are you? Man, intercepting a nuclear missile would be some follow-up to the space shuttle launch!

[jimbo123]

Nice time to revisit President Reagan's tribute to the Challenger crew...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0yNLqr8yI

[AmeriBrit]

I don't know and I don't care. That was so awesome I feel like doing flips.

What a way to celebrate Independence Day!

This is one I'll never forget.

[KevinDavis]

Well if that happens 3 firework shows in day on the 4^th would be sweet...

[tlj18]

4:30 PM EDT: Post-launch news conference

8:30 PM EDT: Imagery news conference

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the link....great launch.

[STARWISE]

OH WOW!! Gorgeous sequence .. thank you.

[MamaB]

Why?

[Txsleuth]

NASA TV...does it show the shuttle 24/7, LIVE..and/or mission control???

Also...is it on DirecTV Satellite..and what channel??

Please...

[toldyou]

My grandson is 9 1/2 years old now, and lives at the Jersey shore, so I'd like to get him interested in it. Many times we've walked to the beach, away from lights, to look at planets that are brighter that day/week, etc., than at other times, but never saw satellites, etc. Could you recommend a web-site for more info? I do plan to look at "heavens-above" now. Thanks!

[Ladysmith]

Watching these replays. It's utterly amazing how soon and quickly the shuttle leaves the pad once it's been ignited. Sure not like the old days from the Mercury programs and all.

[ChadGore]

[tlj18]

During Shuttle missions, NASA has 24/7 coverage of the flight, switching between Mission Control, news conferences, and views from the Orbiter and the International Space Station.

[oxcart]

[Central Scrutiniser]

I think heavens above is the best. It gives you exact times, magnitudes, star charts and data about what you are seeing, when it was launched, etc.

When looking for a sattelite, remember the first minute or so that it is technically visible may be hard to see, as its coming at you from very low on the horizon and usually you don't have a full, unencumbered view. But when you get the ISS at a mag 1 or less, you really can't miss it if you are looking in the right place.

[tlj18]

Payload pay doors opening in 45 minutes. After that, we may get some live video from the Shuttle.