OK..something we can all enjoy: Nigt launch of space shuttle at 2:30 a.m. EST
 

Enjoy

So far, so good!

0 to 50 miles in about 2 minutes!

Best,

Kurt

Before I die, I will see a launch in person. I'm sure by then it won't be the space shuttle any more, but something. I've always thought that would be amazing to watch.

I've read the Space Shuttle is supposed to be retired in 2010 and that a capsule based launch system will be used after that, but will it be ready be 2011?

Back in 85, I attended the 2nd night-time shuttle launch, STS-61B. A realtive was a back up mission specialist, so we got to get in the 3 mile VIP area. YOu can feel the heat from that far away, and something you miss during televised launches is the distinct 'crackle' over the incredible roar. 3 miles away it take a little time to reach you. It goes from very dark to very bright in a hurry! I brought a Nikon F3 with an MD-4 motor drive. Shot 800 through a 600mm mirror lens. The excitement got the better of me and I burned up 36 exposures in short fashion! Still came out really nice after I tweaked in the darkroom for a few hours. I think the 8x10's are at the ex's house somewhere. I should have one of the kids go over there and hunt them down for me.
The after-party was a blast.

Bad hangover flying home the next day!

You should really try to do this some day, Matt. I've seen many launches as we used to live in that area. It never gets old. :)

The only difficulty is having a big enough window. So many of the launches are delayed due to weather or other factors. It could make for a long trip.

Neilk, the next generation launch platform will be a rocket based system, like a higher-tech Apollo. 2010 seems like a big stretch, they only recently awarded the contract.

I have only seen one launch, the last Challenger launch. Kinda left a bad taste in your mouth for the rest of my life.

That's what happened to me. I was in Melbourne for a 3 day meeting and the launch was scrubbed. I was seriously bummed - my hotel was right on the beach and I had the Sierra Nevada's all cold and ready. :(

I saw the first night launch - Challenger in 1983. A friend of mine had heard that NASA was fairly friendly to military types. They were checking passes at the gate. We approached the guard and asked what we had to do to get closer. He looked at our Navy IDs and motioned us through the gate. Rush certainly nailed the experience with Countdown.

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Video of the launch of STS-123 for those interested.

Only 11 shuttle flights left!