Last scheduled Space Shuttle Atlantis launch just occured

[HughMoran]

I have to admit I was having anxiety as I watched it pass through the critical phases during the the launch. I'll never forget the video of the Challenger disintegration.

[edbermac]

1. "Go at throttle up."

It's like watching a game of Russian Roulette. :scared:

[tridim]

2. Beautiful launch! I'll bet $100 that it flies again.

[progressoid]

5. Of course it will.

How else will we destroy the incoming meteor or disable that Russian satelite that is threatening the world?

[Deep13]

3. Putting an engine ahead of the reentry vehicle is a pretty big design flaw.

I'm glad it is being retired. I never thought STS was an especially effective program. By the time DoD got through with it we ended up with a vehicle that had limited altitude, was more expensive to use than single-use vehicles and had that inherent danger of being strapped to a fuel tank that is taller than it while having a very limited launch abort capability.

A much smaller vehicle that rides on top of a rocket with much higher altitude potential would be better. Actual cargo could go up using single-use rockets and any need for humans could be met with a rendez-vous with the small manned vehicle.

In 1966, Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon attained the high altitude record on Gemini XI reaching 850 miles above sea level. Except for Apollo lunar missions, that record remains unbroken. STS simply does not have the power to reach high orbit and that has severely limited its usefulness.

[Birthmark]

6. I agree with you completely.

STS = POS and always has. I'll be very glad to see the last mission come and go --safely, one hopes.

[liberal N proud]

4. Just lighting things on fire...

[KitSileya]

7. It's sad when people think the only benefit we get from launching space shuttles

is burning money. In the 1980s, Robert Heinlein testified in front of Congress to make them see that the benefits from the space program ran much, much deeper and wider than just finding out whether there is water on the Moon and Mars. The medical science that saved the Heinlein's life after his TIA came from the space program (bypass surgery). A lot of technology and techniques were birthed by people trying to figure out how to find out more about the universe.

[DrDan]

8. just got home from viewing the launch

HUGE crowd - beautiful launch - right on time

Had a very close pass - close enough to feel the vibrations as it lifted off.

But a looooong trip home. Waited for an hour to leave the launch site. Then sat in traffic forever.

But so worth it.

[HughMoran]

9. I'm jealous

I've never seen a launch - it must be amazing.

[DrDan]

11. Each is absolutely amazing.

Living about 40 miles away, we have been to many - but never this close. Could actually feel this one.

We have a good view of each launch from our house, but takes 30-45 seconds for the sound to reach us.



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[Scurrilous]

10. K & R

:thumbsup: