Re: Shuttle launch
 

Well, this may cheer you all up, knowing that the astronauts will be eating like kings (and maybe queens... :o don't really know who the astronauts are...) while away from home!

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Wouldn't it be interesting if the shuttle had been delayed to January 06 at 10:15 AM or so? Mass confusion on NASA TV...at least for FIRSTers.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Several years ago I was on vacation in Orlando, FL. I got to see a night time launch of the shuttle. It was a tough decision as DeForest Kelly (Dr. 'Bones' McCoy, Star Trek) was in St. Petersburg the same day. I've seen DeForest before so I went to see the shuttle.
It was fantastic. I have the whole launch on video. You can even see the solid fuel rockets peel off from the main tank.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

This might help:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sh...116/index.html

Re: Shuttle launch
 

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF! I just watched the amazing coverage on the Yahoo/NASA feed. They are now just over 10 minutes into their mission.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I went out side my house (which is approx 77 miles from the launch site) and took pictures.

They aren't as good as what you could see with your eyes, but they give it some justice.

The first few look the pretty much the same because there was less than 3 second in between each picture.











If anyone wants the high resolution of these, PM me and I'll send them.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I am so jealous of all of you that live in Florida. I'm glad i have a DVR. I hope i recorded the right HD channel that has the launch. I was out at dinner when it happened so I missed it live. The next launch is going to be another big one I believe. First launch of Endeavor since it was taken out of service to get work done.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Jaine, Barry, Aerfin Marcus and I were driving and saw it and pulled over. and we were near the cost but away from the city so it looked really good.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I agree! Why can't there be a spot in Jersey where they can launch from? Now THAT would be kool haha. But anyways, I love watcihng shuttle launches! And this one (being at night) was pretty amazing I must say!

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I went out to take a look at the launch as well... I took a few pictures, my pictures are nowhere near as impressive looking as the ones posted by Michelle Celio.... but if you take into the account that i'm in Rhode Island, it's pretty awesome...

take a look at my pic here (see the note in the picture for the shuttle):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tas246tom/318249975/

Re: Shuttle launch
 

When they first wanted to get a launch site or two, they wanted to stay away from inhabited areas as much as possible. This was to reduce the number of people who get sonic booms and pollution as much as possible. New Jersey might have tried, but I believe that NYC would have been just downrange, so no go.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I didn't get to watch it live (was busy flying). Looked like a good launch though.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

They also wanted to be as close to the equator as possible, to take advantage of the extra starting velocity from being there.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Well those of us that were not lucky enough to watch the launch live were treated to some great views from the ET camera on NASA TV.







MikeM.