I had a straight shot this time. Every time there is a shuttle launch I am out of state. I have gotten close. A spectacular view from Orlando airport as the shuttle zoomed across a setting sun. A frustrating abort in the countdown when I was on the Harris campus just a few miles away. Missed it when a gang of bloggers caught a night time launch last year.
It looked great for STS-125 today. Weather looked great.
Then Mike Prosceno of SAP emailed. Only time you can meet CEO Leo Apotheker is Monday afternoon. That ruled out going all the way to the launch pad. Because the traffic out and back would have taken 3-4 hours.
So I got within 10 miles. Settled on a spot on highway 407 so I could make a quick getaway after the launch
Great view of the first first seconds of the launch. Then the clouds got in the way. Because the shuttle is headed to the Hubble on an eastward path (it may have been different, I think if it had taken its more typical northeastern path to ISS) - never saw it again.
A bit disappointing.
Then I said - there may be another launch this week - STS-400 - read this article about the dramatic, back-up plans.
And I felt like a heel. The only reason we would need STS-400 is if there was a problem. So much for my selfish desire to see a launch up-close. And by the way, those dark clouds which obscured the launch? Florida desperately needs rain - so even that is goodness.
Godspeed STS-125!
