The next morning we were back and could not believe that they were going to launch due to the cold. I remember saying to people in the crowd that they would not launch in the cold but when they announced the decision to launch, everbody cheered.
We watched as the countdown was started and the launch took place. But as we all now know things went horribly wrong.
The crowd at first did not know what was happening and cheered as the shuttle blew up. It looked like it was supposed to happen that way at first but I remember myself saying rather loud...."NOOOOOO! NOOOOOO! That is not supposed to happen." The crowd was then silent
We were then informed by lauch control over the intercom system at the vistors center that there seems to be a problem. I'll never forget the dazed looks that followed.
It's been 17 years and I never went back until just last week when the shuttle launched with the Israeli astronaut aboard. It was Incredable.
The media always there ready to criticize. SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE.