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July 04, 2006
Congratulations NASA , on a Picture-Perfect Launch
This launch worked out just fine, being the first shuttle launch ever on the "glorious 4th".
The main concern just before launch was the wind, which at one point was within
1 mile an hour of the top limit for launch in case of return to the landing strip situations.
The multiple camera positions provided spectacular views of the whole event, inlcluding the
camera on the external tank, which showed the OMS engines firing to help separate the shuttle from the ET.
We saw at least 1 small piece of foam fall off later in the flight, when the vehicle was to high for any
damage to occur.
Hopefully this will be the first of two good test missions, clearing the way for the space station to be completed,
the Hubble repaired, and finally allowing the Shuttle fleet to be retired, safely and in good order.
Posted by johnstrickland at July 4, 2006 08:59 PM
