At 0414 EST today, I was fortunate enough to witness the successful launch of STS-130, Space Shuttle Endeavour from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
While the view that I had was not as spectacular as the NASA picture above, I was able clearly see the red flare of the shuttle from the bridge of a ship hundreds of miles away in the Gulf of Mexico. This is my second eyewitness launch of a Space Shuttle during a night launch. The first occurred in the spring of 1996, and it is hard for me to believe that a little less than 14 years later it is likely that I have witnessed the last Space Shuttle launch (in person) for the rest of my lifetime.
The US Space Program represents some of the most noble and technically challenging accomplishments of man, and I am humbled to bear witness to this truly spectacular event. Over the years, it has become increasingly easy to take for granted the challenges associated with this type of event, but every successful launch should serve as a reminder of the intrepid spirit of all the explorers who have paved the way for mankind throughout history.
Godspeed to the crew of the Endeavour.
V/R,
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