Go For Main Engine Start
by Jason
I'm still trying to shake off the goose bumps. Thanks to this internet-enabled-streaming- everything age, it was very exciting to watch the event live... You can even track the shuttle.
It's been two and a half years, but the tragedy of Columbia (STS-107) is still fresh on everyone's mind. At 10:39 EDT, STS-114 completed the final step of the pre-launch countdown by lifting off from launch complex 39, pad B, at the Kenedy Space Center in Florida.
The Discovery shuttle is on its way to completing a 13-day mission.
This is truly one of the top three historic shuttle flights -- the flight following Challenger and of course the first flight ever being the other two. This has been branded America's "Return To Flight" after the time since the last launch. What a great way to kick off the next chapter of America's space program!
But why? STS-114 is the 114th shuttle flight. I challenge you to name a shuttle other than the three I've mentioned in this post -- there are 7 total, including a training vehicle, and Scotty, you cannot participate ;). Why all the comotion over this flight? Is it anything more than simply mankind's desire to "prove" that we will always triumph? Certainly there is something inspiring about reaching the stars, but is there something more that makes this flight such an accomplishment? Or are we a society that simply reacts to tragedy by showing support in order to feel like we are a part of the whole? Now that the country is flying to the stars again, will the rest of us just return to our lattes?
I'm anxious to hear your comments.
I'm still trying to shake off the goose bumps. Thanks to this internet-enabled-streaming- everything age, it was very exciting to watch the event live... You can even track the shuttle.It's been two and a half years, but the tragedy of Columbia (STS-107) is still fresh on everyone's mind. At 10:39 EDT, STS-114 completed the final step of the pre-launch countdown by lifting off from launch complex 39, pad B, at the Kenedy Space Center in Florida.
The Discovery shuttle is on its way to completing a 13-day mission.
This is truly one of the top three historic shuttle flights -- the flight following Challenger and of course the first flight ever being the other two. This has been branded America's "Return To Flight" after the time since the last launch. What a great way to kick off the next chapter of America's space program!
But why? STS-114 is the 114th shuttle flight. I challenge you to name a shuttle other than the three I've mentioned in this post -- there are 7 total, including a training vehicle, and Scotty, you cannot participate ;). Why all the comotion over this flight? Is it anything more than simply mankind's desire to "prove" that we will always triumph? Certainly there is something inspiring about reaching the stars, but is there something more that makes this flight such an accomplishment? Or are we a society that simply reacts to tragedy by showing support in order to feel like we are a part of the whole? Now that the country is flying to the stars again, will the rest of us just return to our lattes?
I'm anxious to hear your comments.
posted by Jason @ 08:41
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2 comments
2 Comments:
No fair! :-)
I was very excited to see the launch today. Too bad I couldn't see it in person. Congrats, Discovery!
It was a great site to watch. Wish I also was there to watch it... someday I will make the trip to see a launch in person. Now... all our prayers to wish them a safe flight home.
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