[Talisker]

I was in high school when the Russians shot sputnik into orbit, I well remember projects Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, then the Shuttle. I am having a hard time believe it is almost over. No more American manned space flight after the next one. It makes me sick.

I watched the Apollos, but was always ravenous about any space info - Mercury, Gemini, Shuttle, etc. Made models, consumed magazine and and articles and books.

Quite frankly, I haven't been able to accept the end of American manned space flight... doesn't compute. I don't think I want it to.

Here's something fascinating the Brits are up to, though (watch the video, especially):

Skylon development given go-ahead by UK Space Agency

[21twelve]

Here’s a nice video with NASA images and video with the rock song “Countdown” by the band RUSH. They were invited to watch one of the early shuttle launches. A portion of this song was played for Endeavor as a wake up call this last trip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5vPrrnb6tw

“....This magic day when super-science
Mingles with the bright stuff of dreams.....”

I love that line.

[La Enchiladita]

Quite frankly, I haven't been able to accept the end of American manned space flight... doesn't compute. I don't think I want it to.

Judging from Commander Kelly's comments post-landing, he's not accepting it either. He made a point of saying Endeavour is in great shape and could fly more missions but must be retired.

Here in Los Angeles, the news story was about how Endeavour will reside at the Science Museum near the Coliseum.

The evening news actually featured the progress of the shuttle post-de orbit burn as it approached Florida and then showed a minute and a half of the landing... LIVE... although I suspect delayed a few seconds.

As a local radio host said, "We can all exhale now." That is always the feeling. Congratulations STS-134 crew and welcome home.