Last Shuttle Launch Today

[Feralpeg]

Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 2:20 pm eastern time today. It will be the last shuttle launch.

Since moving to Florida, I've had the opportunity to watch many launches. Every single one was a thrill. I will miss seeing the shuttle climb into space.

God speed, Atlantis!!!

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 2:20 pm eastern time today. It will be the last shuttle launch.

Since moving to Florida, I've had the opportunity to watch many launches. Every single one was a thrill. I will miss seeing the shuttle climb into space.

God speed, Atlantis!!!

Actually it's the last flight for Atlantis. Discovery and Endeavour each still have 1 flight left.

 

[holycow]

I too remember living in Fl and seeing the shuttle launch. It was at night and so amazing!

 

[RadioNate]

Actually it's the last flight for Atlantis. Discovery and Endeavour each still have 1 flight left.

That is true. Targeting July and November - I think.

I was really hoping to go to the coast for this launch, as this will be out last in FL.

I was going to pull DS9 from school but he has a science test so I didn't.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

That is true. Targeting July and November - I think.

I was really hoping to go to the coast for this launch, as this will be out last in FL.

I was going to pull DS9 from school but he has a science test so I didn't.

These are all very sad for me. Astronomy and all things space-related have been my #1 hobbies forever. I was in the Young Astronauts program at school (ages ago!), did the SpaceCamp thing, etc. I never made it my vocation for fear that it would stop being "fun" for me. Launch days are like my Super Bowl, and, with the dawn of Nasa-TV I've followed entire missions.

That being said, I was in elementary school for the Challenger disaster, and loved watching as they built Endeavour and prepared it for its first launch. The Shuttle program has been my entire life.

It is going to be very tough to watch these last 3 launches with a dry eye, knowing that our government has basically stunted our advancement in an area we pioneered. Atlantis today, Discovery next, and then Endeavour. Each of these hold a special place in my heart and my memory.

God speed the entire STS Fleet and all who have flown on your mighty wings! You have inspired new generations of explorers and thinkers.

 

[Feralpeg]

Actually it's the last flight for Atlantis. Discovery and Endeavour each still have 1 flight left.

That's true. I guess I wasn't very clear. It will be sad to see the program end.

 

[Aisling]

Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 2:20 pm eastern time today. It will be the last shuttle launch.

Since moving to Florida, I've had the opportunity to watch many launches. Every single one was a thrill. I will miss seeing the shuttle climb into space.God speed, Atlantis!!!

You'll still get 2 more chances after this!

 

[floridafam]

Leaving in a little while. Going to grab lunch and drive up A1A until we can get as close as possible. So excited. It's very emotional to see it launch. Very sad to see the shuttle program coming to an end. Space is a huge part of the community here.

 

[sorcerormickey]

It is very, very sad that the program is ending.

(I can't wait to run outside and watch it though!!)

 

[cteddiesgirl]

That is true. Targeting July and November - I think.

I was really hoping to go to the coast for this launch, as this will be out last in FL.

I was going to pull DS9 from school but he has a science test so I didn't.

With the knowledge that it will be the last in FL, personally, I would have still pulled him out to see it. He can make up the test. But there will be no make up for the Launch.

 

[minniebeth]

It's really sad for me, it's been such a part of my life growing up that I was fascinated in. It's one of those things that you don't know how much you enjoy until it's over...
My heart really does go out to those communities where the space program is so much more than an interest, it's their livlihoods and way of life!

 

[Minnie824]

I guess I haven't been following this much, but why is the program ending? Funding? Or is it just moving or what?

 

[Deb in IA]

We came so close to seeing a shuttle launch a couple of years ago, when we went on our last Disney cruise.

The shuttle was scheduled to take off at 4 pm on our embarkation day, and the ship stayed in port for a few extra minutes to see if they were going to go, but some storm clouds rolled in, and they canceled the launch.

I would have LOVED to see launch from the deck of the Disney Wonder . . .

 

[RadioNate]

We came so close to seeing a shuttle launch a couple of years ago, when we went on our last Disney cruise.

The shuttle was scheduled to take off at 4 pm on our embarkation day, and the ship stayed in port for a few extra minutes to see if they were going to go, but some storm clouds rolled in, and they canceled the launch.

I would have LOVED to see launch from the deck of the Disney Wonder . . .

That happened to us last June. It was supposed to be at 7am on debarkation day and was scrubbed.

I really thought today would be scrubbed. I'm headed outside in a few to see it.

I can see from home but we should have went to the beach.

 

[perdidobay]

And she's off! Godspeed Atlantis!

 

[focusondisney]

Just checked the NASA site. Discovery is scheduled for Sept. 16th (I hope it goes then, we'll be poolside at Yacht Club!) Endevor tentatively scheduled for "mid November". Hope some of you will get to see these final launches.

 

[RadioNate]

Well I had clear views from the school and DS's teacher took them outside to watch. He was happy with that.

He doesn't think school is important. He is a smart kid so he is usually bored or stuck helping kids at his table. He isn't really gifted but he picks stuff up quickly. He generally has a negative attitude about school, which was a big part of not pulling him out even if it would have been an experience of a lifetime.

 

[floridafam]

Took the kids up to a park just North of Patrick Air Force Base and it was great but we still wanted to be closer. We honestly have a better view from our house. We should have stayed on US1 instead of A1A. Hoping to get even closer for the last launches.

 

[MiniGirl]

That happened to us last June. It was supposed to be at 7am on debarkation day and was scrubbed.

I really thought today would be scrubbed. I'm headed outside in a few to see it.

I can see from home but we should have went to the beach.

Just curious. Why did you think it would be scrubbed? It was a beautiful day here on the Space Coast.

All of these launches are bitter sweet for us. We love watching them, but knowing they coming to an end (and the economic impact it will have on this area) is very hard.

 

[RitaZ.]

I guess I haven't been following this much, but why is the program ending? Funding? Or is it just moving or what?

The current administration has cut funding for the program.