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Posted on 07/07/2011 9:23:54 AM PDT by hoagy62
Well here it is- the LAST mission of the Space Transportation System, known as the Space Shuttle. This thread is dedicated to all the crews, the maintenance workers of NASA and the United Space Alliance, and the millions of fans of space exploration around the world.
Launch is scheduled for 11:26 am EDT.
At this point, there is a 30% chance of favorable weather for launch....but you never know.
Loved it when I could see the landings of the shuttles and hear the roaring of the engines.
A 'filk' song written by fans of space travel on the feeling of being there for a shuttle launch or landing.
You just know THIS song had to be played at some point.
Saw the return to space launch from Daytona Bch in a Sun drenched Florida July day, reminded me how exceptional America is.
I was living in Statesboro GA when one of the first night launches happened. Went outside, looked south, and there was the plume.
Also, Astronaut Sonny Carter was a friend of the family. He flew on Discovery.
I think my favorite memory of the Shuttle program would have to be last year with the docking at the ISS... Was outside with my kids and spotted the two overhead closing in on each other. Provided a great opportunity for educating the kids re: the space program and just amazing seeing these “stars” moving across the sky and knowing there were PEOPLE up there! :)
God bless all those who made the shuttle program possible.
More I could say, but keeping this positive!
BO now wants NASA to go to Mecca to help the muzzies with their self image and their rich cultural heritage in science and math. Well, at least the NASA director told Congress the President told him that! The WH denied it flat out (another lie)
I was never aware of this song. Excellent!! Thank you!
I am onboard. My “favorite” moment was Leadpenny telling me to run outside and I could see the shuttle Columbia one cold feb morning. I walked out and it was right where he said it would be right when I walked out.
I was one of the last people to see Columbia
BTT
As of 0201 EDT, they have started tanking operations. Weather still looks like a 30% chance of favorable conditions. Cross you fingers and hope for the best!
Headed for sleep mode.
Okay...the crew has been seated and is strapped in for flight. At this time, the closeout crew is in the process of sealing the Shuttle’s crew hatch.
They just went past T-1:00:00, headed for the planned built-in holds at T-20:00 and T-09:00. At the T-9 hold, that’s when they’ll seriously consider weather issues. But, at this time, all systems are “go”.
We’ll see.
Now entering the T-20:00 built-in hold. Hold will take place for 10 minutes.
As the Closeout Crew was about to leave, they all came in and held up signs, one at a time, thanking all who have serviced, fueled, repaired, and flown the Shuttles. The last two message cards said “Godspeed Atlantis” (held by the youngest crew member) and “God Bless America” (held by the oldest crew member).
Touching and appropriate!
Thanks for the weather shot, raygun.
Countdown has resumed at T-20:00.
Wasn’t there a flight where the countdown was accelerated/truncated in order to beat a weather system that was moving in? Could/would they do that today?
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