Watch a space shuttle launch

We did all we could to see the STS-134 launch in person. And, I’m marking this as complete because we did our damndest.

We flew to the East Coast overnight from the West Coast and once we landed we drove another hour to see it. But, despite our best efforts the launch was delayed for more than a week. And, we had to go home before that. I really wish we could have flown down again to see it on the next launch date, but honestly, I was afraid they’d delay it again (plus, it’s expensive!).

Instead, the day of the launch, we woke up at 5A and watched the it online through NASA TV. It was awesome! No doubts about that.

So, yeah, we tried and did technically watch it so, I’m marking this as done and done. :)

I’ve purchased our plane tickets, got a rental car lined up, printed vouchers to visit the space center, and requested a place to stay on couchsurfing.com. Whew!

Now, I hope the weather cooperates and the launch goes ahead as planned. The forecast is looking pretty good. 80% likelihood that they’ll launch on the target date. * crosses fingers *

I had a little “trouble” clicking the buy button. It’s a lot of money for a trip that isn’t guaranteed. Honestly, even if there’s an issue with the launch, we’ll have a great time. But, this is basically our one shot to see a shuttle launch. Andrew gave me the encouragement I needed though. And, it’s all set-up, now. Eeee!!!

I’m too excited to even express it with words!

Mission: STS-134 to the International Space Station
Vehicle: Space shuttle Endeavour
Launch Complex: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
Date: Friday, April 29, 2011
Launch Window: 3:42 p.m. – 3:52 p.m.

STS-134 | Endeavour | Int’l Space Station | Launch Pad 39A

So, the April 19th launch date has been pushed back to April 29th.
Not a huge deal… Andrew has already changed his vacation around and got the needed days off. And, my work is cool with it.

We haven’t bought tickets yet. But, we’re not in a rush for that.
We’re going to buy them as close to the actual trip as we feel comfortable. (in case it’s pushed back again and they’ll be cheaper)

And, as for a place to stay: I’ve been in contact with someone through couchsurfing.com!! :D Fun, right?

So, right now, we’re just going to keep watching the schedule and see what happens.

So, we’re shooting for the April launch. :D
Andrew has gotten his vacation days approved, mine are approved, and I’ve talked with my supervisor about where to view, etc. (because he actually used to live there and work on the shuttles!!!) O_O
Amazing! And awesome!

All we need to do is buy airfare and book a hotel.
I’m SO SO SO excited!

We’re putting this off as long as possible in order to save more money for the trip… so the more launches they add the better. :)

Shuttle Launches as of Feb. 24th

Date: Feb. 24
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:50 p.m. EST

Date: April 19 + (targeted date)
Mission: STS-134
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 7:48 p.m. EDT

Date: June 28 + (targeted date)
Mission: STS-135
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 3:48 p.m. EDT +

So, I think we’re shooting for the June launch.

Both shuttle launches have been pushed back, now.
And, even then, they’re only tentatively scheduled.
That’s okay with me, the later they are the more time I have to plan/save.

Date: Feb 3 *
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 1:34 a.m. EST

Date: April 1 *
Mission: STS-134
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 3:15 a.m. EDT

(http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html)

Only 2 more planned at this point!
And, since we’re going to Hawai’i in Sep/Oct I don’t think we’ll be going to the one in Nov. Feb, on the other hand, sound more doable. :)

2010 Launches

Date: Nov. 1 +
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:33 p.m. EDT

2011 Launches

Date: Feb. 26 +
Mission: STS-134
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center – Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:19 p.m. EST

Here is the launch schedule from NASA’s site:
Dec. 20, 2009
Dec. 26, 2009
Feb. 3, 2010
Feb. 7, 2010
March 18, 2010
April 2, 2010
April 27, 2010
May 14, 2010
May 29, 2010
June 2010
June 25, 2010
July 29, 2010
Aug. 11, 2010
Sept. 16, 2010
Sept. 29, 2010
Oct. 19, 2010
Dec. 2011

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html

:D There’s one right around my birthday… now that would be awesome!!

That would be so totally amazing.
And, I know Andrew would love it, too!
Guess that means a trip to Florida someday.