My Great Aunt Nancy just reminded me of  how  privileged we are as Floridians to be able to take a short drive to see a shuttle launch and even more spectacular a night launch. I have relatives who live all over the United States and they have never seen a shuttle launch other than on the news. Some have dreamed of taking the trip all their lives and even if they finally made it to Florida hoping to be lucky enough to time their trip just right more times than not have miss out because of the ever common scrub. I myself have made several trips enduring the 45min drive and the traffic back, nothing compared to the countless travelers that have made the journey to Florida from all over the world to see and in some way be a part of these amazing pieces of history.  With I believe only five more Shuttle launches left in the current schedule these opportunities are coming to an end so if you ever wanted to see one no matter where you are you should consider making the trip to witness one in person.

I arrived in Titusville about an hour before lift off and wedged my truck in between two other vehicles right up to the edge of the shore. I walked down to the water and set up my camera hoping to get a good photograph. It was exciting sitting on the bank of the inter-coastal waterway just across from Discovery on the launch pad. The spot lights lit her up and beamed past her toward her destination. The clouds in the sky behind Discovery kept threatening the launch with lightning only adding to the suspense.

Discovery STS-128 Night Launch

Discovery STS-128 in flight

Then the moment came. People were starting the count-down 5min,3min,1min,5,4,3,2,1 you started seeing the fire and smoke bellowing out from under her as the light quickly grew to the intensity of a sunrise. Discovery was off of the launch pad and gaining speed, quickly rising into the night sky. The site was doubled by the reflection in the water. Everyone was cheering and yet Discovery was still quietly thrusting skyward til her tremendous rumble finally made the 11mile trip to our ears and our chest. As you watched Discovery get smaller and smaller until you see the flash of the boosters break free and start to fall back to earth. Another beautiful and successful launch.

Wow what an amazing experience, worth all of the scrubs and traffic!

I can’t wait to do it again!