STS-130

This week, Space Shuttle Endeavour is making her last journey, this time via land. She will be travelling 12 miles to the California Science Center in Los Angeles where she will be on display. The first time I saw Endeavour was back in February 2010 during a night launch. We got Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tickets that allowed us to watch the launch from anywhere in the visitor center.

The first launch attempt was scheduled for 4:39 am on February 7th, 2010. My day and night schedule was flipped around to accommodate this night launch. As I would find out would be a common issue with future launches, it was scrubbed due to clouds. A little disappointed, as I was about to leave the visitor center, I had this idea that maybe someone coming in from the causeway, the closest place you can view the launch, might not be able to attend the following night and would be willing to give up their tickets that would be unused. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

The saying “It never hurts to ask,” will never be a doubt in my mind. After asking several couples coming back and being told no, there was one couple who said yes. Unfortunately, the next launch attempt the following night would be on a Monday morning and this couple had to work in the morning. Their misfortune became one of the best times in my life.

The next night, err, morning, we repeated the process of making our way slowly in traffic headed to the Visitor Center, but this time got on a bus to the viewing area. Because it was dark and KSC isn’t really well lit, especially through the fogged up windows of the bus, we had no idea where we were going. I had no sense where I was, and didn’t until a visit months later. A large parking lot was the only thing I saw as we were herded to the viewing stands.

In the distance was Endeavour with spotlights shining into the dark sky. Being so disoriented, I would never of found her without the spotlights.

The time flew by as it ticked down very fast.

In no time, the countdown reached T-minus 10. 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1. Liftoff. The vibrations of the launch permeated my heart and I instantly fell in love with the Space Shuttle.

There are very few things that light up the sky like a Space Shuttle. Everything, I mean, everything, was visible like it was daytime.

One of the interesting things I realized after several launches is that a night launch is much easier to see as it rises in altitude. During a day launch, clouds can obscure the rocket. But at night, you see a bright light for some time after launch, even through clouds.

It was an awesome experience that wouldn’t have been as great without the scrub. To that couple who gave us their tickets, I will always be indebted. The next time you’re afraid to ask a stranger, don’t be and you may get the best opportunity in your life. If you have tickets to something you can go to, find someone who can. You’ll make some kid smile like I did.