Watched the shuttle launch

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Fri Nov 14, 2008 9:38 pm

The cape is about 100 miles south of here. My wife and I went out to the beach to watch it. All of a sudden the clouds burst into light then in a couple of seconds we could see it. There were a couple hundred people all over the beach and everyone started clapping and yelling. We could plainly see the first stage separation. We could see it as it passed the moon and watched it for a couple of minutes after the separation. Sure was pretty!

Terry

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:40 pm

PICS!?!?

I would love to see that in person.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 12:29 am

Sorry, no pics. I think the next time they have a night launch I'm going to drive down there and see it.

Terry

Albert · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 12:46 am

That is awesome, Fulltimer.........I never saw a shuttle launch but I have seen another launch of smaller stuff down there. We drove out to the little museum and outside displays they have on Cape Canaveral and there was a launch that day of a smaller rocket launching a satellite just about dusk. It was pretty awesome. But much smaller than a shuttle launch. So I can't imagine what it is like to see a shuttle launch in person. My Son who lives in Orlando goes down to Ormond Beach to watch them whenever he can.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 12:01 pm

I got to watch a daytime launch all the way from my Orlando hotel a few years ago. Even at that distance, it was still awesome to see.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 12:45 pm

Just seeing it fly past the full moon was awsome. I have seen a lot of test flights of rockets at White Sands in New Mexico, but they just don't compare.

Terry

bugnout · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 12:57 pm

I'm envious. I was stationed at Vandenberg and saw lots of minuteman, titan and delta launches. They had plans to launch the shuttle from SLC6, but canceled before any could be launched. Later in my career I was sent TDY to Patrick three times to support shuttle launches and each time the launch was canceled and we were sent packin back to Wright-Patt.

About 7 years ago I took my family to Disney World. We were awakened in our Orlando hotel room by a big rumble at 6:00am. Morning news reported the successful launch of the shuttle :shock:

If I'd known, we would have made the trip to watch it in person.

One of these days....

CrossBones · **Posted:** Sat Nov 15, 2008 1:20 pm

I saw one once from Amelia Island (Jacksonville area) back in the 90's as the shuttle was cruising up the coastline. It was cool, but I always thought watching a lift-off would be even cooler.

ihatemybike · **Posted:** Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:55 am

I got to see a Shuttle launch from lagoon boat at Disney back in Sept '97. I really need to see a launch up closer. I have to see one before they discontinue Shuttle use. I also want to see the first Virgin Galactic launch since I wasn't able to go watch Space Ship One.

KeswickDave · **Posted:** Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:56 pm

I would love to see a night launch, that must have been cool!

In January I was getting on a cruise ship at Port Canaveral on the day of a launch. As luck would have it the ship was still docked at launch time and I could see the launch pad with the aid of my zoom lens.

We were about 10 miles away, and I watched most of it through my camera lens snapping pictures all the way up.

It was an awesome thing to see!

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:06 pm

I wish I could see that in person as well.

CrossBones · **Posted:** Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:07 pm

The first iPod in space aboard the Shuttle right now. I wonder how much effort it takes to use the click wheel up there?
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/15/ipods-ro ... e-shuttle/

Watched the shuttle launch

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