Rachel in Space: Wake up (or stay up) for shuttle launch tonight

Science
Rachel in Space: Wake up (or stay up) for shuttle launch tonight

MZ_Rachel-InSpace.gif

RSS_Retraction_Endeavour.jpg

I’m here at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, in preparation for the launch of STS-130 and the Space Shuttle Endeavour. After a brief spell of heavy rain last evening, the skies cleared, making a perfect backdrop for this morning’s retraction of the Rotating Service Structure to reveal Endeavour in all her glory.

Endeavour is scheduled to launch at 4:39am EST Sunday morning, and it will be worth waking up – or staying up – to see. This is the last scheduled night launch of a shuttle. With only five remaining launches, not only are the opportunities to view one dwindling, but experiencing the impressive views of a night launch will be likely gone forever by this time tomorrow. People who live along the eastern coastline have a good chance of viewing the launch from their backyards. If you’re further west in the US, why not just stay up a little later with friends and celebrate this milestone in the space program? You’ll still have plenty of time to go back to bed and wake up in time for football (if that suits your fancy).

Discovery_Night_launch.jpg

I’ll be tweeting from Kennedy Space Center all night long as the launch approaches, and I’ve been constantly updating pictures over on Flickr. Stay tuned for continued mission coverage over the next week and a half, including an interview with the STS-130 crew member who is a maker at heart.

Pictured at top: This morning’s RSS Retraction, revealing Endeavour. Below: A night launch of the shuttle Discovery. Image courtesy NASA.

8 thoughts on “Rachel in Space: Wake up (or stay up) for shuttle launch tonight

  1. Marc de Vinck says:

    Your flickr set is awesome. Thanks for sharing! This is one of my favorites: http://cot.ag/cIdY3n

  2. volkemon says:

    Welcome to my backyard! I saw the last night launch, with a full moon, at Manatee Hammock park. Absolutely marvelous pics from that one.

    I am going to go beachside by the Air Force Base. Wont get the “Rumble your innards” view, but makes for a nicer wide shot.

    Gonna be cccool and windy. Dress accordingly. :)

  3. Rachel Hobson says:

    Thanks, Marc! I loves me some rocket parts!

    @volkemon – thanks for the warm welcome! You’re right – it is verrrrrrry breezy and chilly out there! Beautiful night, though! Can’t wait. Hope you have a great time, too! :)

  4. volkemon says:

    1H18M to launch…30% due to clouds….

    Mom and I are headed out to set up the cameras and wait.

    Mountain Dew just starting to open the eyes :)

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

Rachel Hobson is a writer, editor and social media enthusiast with a background in the DIY/Maker and science/geek communities. She's also a life-long space geek, and enjoys living five minutes from Houston's Johnson Space Center where she can get her fill of rockets any time she pleases. Her hobbies include hand embroidery, modern quilting and all things Lego.

View more articles by Rachel Hobson

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK