Last chance to see...

[TordelBack]

Well, the crew's safely on board and just this side of 9pm GMT tonight the last  launch of the shuttle Discovery should take place.  I remember watching poor Columbia that first time in a hotel lounge in Sligo nearly exactly 30 years ago, and now 132 launches later, the first of the fleet will be retired.  She's carried nearly 250 crew, she's survived 38 missions and nearly a full year in space, she was the first ship back into space after both Challenger and Columbia, and now her day is almost over.  Godawful inefficient deathtraps, but they are so very beautiful.  

Watch the beginning of the end of the shuttle era live here:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-hd-tv

[TordelBack]

T-6 minutes.  Roll up, roll up!

[johnnystress]

shit-missed it

ah well...next time

[Nap Normal]

I managed to watch it.
Thanks for the link TB
Bw
Nap

[I, Cosh]

I remember watching poor Columbia that first time in a hotel lounge in Sligo nearly exactly 30 years ago, and now 132 launches later, the first of the fleet will be retired.

Jeez! I remember watching that at my gran's. It was the most exciting thing ever.

[TordelBack]

Just a reminder that teh shuttle Endeavour's last launch is scheduled for 18.45 tonight, passing over Britain and Ireland just after 9.  Should be able to see both the shuttle and the jettisoned main booster tank in close formation, moving fast from W to SE.  -sniff-

Launch coverage:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-mobile-2

[Albion]

Now delayed for 48 hours.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13244053

[TordelBack]

Bum!