Watch a space shuttle launch

I grew up in FL so I’ve seen the launch both close up in Coco Beach and in my hometown. I saw the Challenger blow up outside my bedroom window when I was about 10. Sad. 4 days ago

has to give up on this one since the space shuttle program no longer exists. :( 3 weeks ago

I tried hard to do this, made the trip to cape canaveral, but the launch got delayed til after my flight left. But I am happy I tried 5 months ago

I won’t give up on this goal yet, but obviously the last NASA space shuttle mission has already finished and my goal is in limbo now. I know the last shuttle will be coming to Los Angeles. I will keep tabs on what is happening in the decommissioning of the shuttles.

Listening to David Bowie “Space Oddity” 6 months ago

I flew down to Florida last Thursday, met up with some friends, and hauled ass to Titusville. We watched from the Gemini Hall of Fame Walk, right next to Space View Park.

Although we were 13 miles away from Launch Pad 39A, it was still an amazing sight and so much fun to bond with all the characters who’d also traveled from far and wide to witness the final space shuttle launch.

For those of you who missed it, I recommend tuning in to NASA TV over the next several days, until the shuttle lands on July 21. There are still so many amazing things you can witness during this mission! http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html 7 months ago

I flew down to Florida last Thursday night for the Friday morning launch of Atlantis (STS-135), the last shuttle mission. This was my last chance! The weather was not looking good (only 30% of launch), but it cleared up enough and we were GO for launch!

I watched from the bridge in Titusville, about 12 miles away. It was an awe-inspiring sight, and I’m glad to have been a witness. Simply amazing! 7 months ago

Despite some drama (we had to scramble to find a ticket and parking placard on ebay and then were told that fed ex couldn’t get it here so wehad to go to fed ex to get it before our flight), we made it and it was an awe-inspiring sight. I’m somewhat sad to see the end of the space shuttle era. My pics are not loaded and aren’t nearly as nice, but I really enjoy this photo from NASA. 7 months ago

Despite some drama (we had to scramble to find a ticket and parking placard on ebay and then were told that fed ex couldn’t get it here so wehad to go to fed ex to get it before our flight), we made it and it was an awe-inspiring sight. I’m somewhat sad to see the end of the space shuttle era. My pics are not loaded and aren’t nearly as nice, but I really enjoy this photo from NASA. 7 months ago

It was the last launch of the shuttle Atlantis, and perhaps the last launch of any shuttle for my lifetime. It was a great event, even if the traffic made plans go a little awry, and I am happy to have attended. I hope the rumors of new shuttles being built in 2015 are true, and that I’ll be able to go watch them launch from Kennedy Space Center itself. This whole “get a ticket via raffle” was horsecrap, even if necessary. 7 months ago

I have my ticket for the launch on Friday, but one of Fed Ex’s planes didn’t take off and now there is concern that my parking placard may not arrive.

I’m so mad about this. I personally could take the tour bus, but my wife would not be able to come. I tried offering her my spot and she pig-headedly won’t discuss it. I know it means the world to her to see it. Arrrgh. 7 months ago

A friend of mine offered me a ticket to go see the final space shuttle launch with him next weekend. I’m very excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity. 7 months ago

I am going to see the last shuttle launch! Hotel reservations have been made. Hopefully they don’t change the launch schedule this close to the date, but we have plans to go to Disney as well so either way it will be a worthwhile trip :) 7 months ago

I’ve had this goal on my list for a long time but didn’t really take it seriously until they announced the end of the shuttle program. I was lucky enough to have been chosen for the #NASATweetup for STS134. It was absolutely amazing. We got to go inside the VAB (as close to a spiritual experience as I’ve had in quite some time), watch the RSS retraction from outside the launchpad fence (!), and best of all, watch the launch from the media site (next to the countdown clock). I spent more money than I intended (especially with the 2 week launch delay) but it was definitely worth it.

My tips: Make cancellable hotel reservations as soon as the launch date is announced. Also buy airline tickets with no change fees (ie Southwest). Space is hard, and the dates will probably move around a bit. 8 months ago

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. :) 9 months ago