Shuttle Launch Today

[jeff]

I'm on a business trip to Kennedy Space Center this week. My meeting today was in one of the buildings at Launch Complex 39 so I was fortunate to have a great viewing spot for the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at 2:45pm ET. Here I am in front of the Launch Control Center at T-5 minutes. In the background is the enormous Vehicle Assembly Building.

Yesterday, I was able to get into the Orbiter Processing Facility to see the Shuttle Discovery being processed for launch next month. Here's a shot of the landing gear, and technicians working on one of the aft attachment points for the external fuel tank. The second photo is looking up at the underside of the orbiter and you can see the thermal tiles.

I love Florida, especially the Space Coast, but I'm looking forward to returning to cold and snow in Cleveland tomorrow night.

 

[Daniel]

That looks like a view of the shuttle that not may get to see. exciting trip.

 

[turned_for_good]

I watched that launch today on the internet. I could only imagine being there.

 

[Malainse]

Very cool.... Back home also...

 

[wudnhed]

WOW Jeff, thanks for the up close pictures, too cool!!!!!

 

[Ligget]

Great pictures Jeff, thanks for sharing with us![]

 

[karlkuehn]

Wow, great pictures! Those guys look busy. Is it just me or does that 'fuel tank' look a lot like a giant keg? heh...

"Hews.....erpp...Houshton...wehalla aprollem..."

"Uhhh, copy that Imbiber, we are aware of the problem, standby for solution..."

Pump the tank, dude!! []

 

[R2]

Great experience for you!![8D]

 

[Darley]

Jeff that is very nice, like the close up of the shuttle, home is allway better

 

[jwoodwright]

Jeff,
Some really great shots. Watching the launch and having the tour had to be a real highlight of the trip!

 

[tipusnr]

Congratulations Jeff. I got a chance to spend the day doing the tour thing down there a year ago and loved it. I, too, watched the launch on the internet and will be checking in with www.nasa.gov from time to time over the length of the mission. It's the geek in me!

I even downloaded the mission schedule so I could "play along".

 

[DocStram]

Thanks for taking the time to post the pics. Very cool!

 

[ed4copies]

There's an IMPORTANT tile job!!!

Have a safe trip home, Jeff!!!

 

[Sylvanite]

That reminds me of when I used to live in FL. On launch days, my coworkers used to gather at the 4th floor north window-wall of our office to watch. I remember the day Challenger went up.

 

[PenWorks]

Cool pictures, one good thing about going back home, No more sunburn on your noggin

 

[Rojo22]

There is nothing that will swell your heart and your eyes, like being there up close when the shuttle goes up. It makes you proud to be an American. I was fortunate enough to sit in the area where the astronauts family members get to sit at launch, and it was one of the most emotional events to experience.

 

[DCBluesman]

May 5, 1961 9:34 a.m. three little boys and their mother stood on a beach on the east coast of Florida. Their father, a Navy pilot, was at sea on a carrier positioned to perform recovery service, if necessary. From the great distance, a burst of orange flames kissed the sky. The four stood and watched, not fully aware of the importance of the moment, but nonetheless amazed that Alan Shepherd had been launched into space. Thank you NASA, for all you have done and for all you continue in furtherance of knowledge of the Cosmos. And thank you, Jeff, for sharing these "up close and personal" photos.

 

[Nolan]

Awesome stuff Jeff, I bet that was a cool "tour".