Only four launches remain in the long career of NASA’s space shuttle fleet. So far I’ve only seen one launch in person. When Jenny and I went to Disney World in October 2006, the shuttle launched on our first day at EPCOT. We were at least 40 miles from the launch pad, and the skies were mostly cloudy, but we got a distant view of the gorgeous streak of light through gaps in the clouds. We couldn’t hear a thing, but I was in awe and smiling like a little boy.
My closest encounter of any kind came after fourth grade when we took a family trip to Florida and toured Kennedy Space Center. One of the shuttles was sitting on the launch pad, gleaming in the sun. I was amazed to see a machine that could actually fly from the earth into space and return safely.
The final launch is currently scheduled for September 16, and Jenny and I hope to attend. Since shuttle launches often get postponed due to weather or mechanical problems, we might or might not succeed, but we plan to try. Through work, I’m in a lottery for a spot at the best possible civilian viewing area. We should find out a couple of weeks in advance whether we get the tickets. If not, we’ll plan to watch from a nearby site. Wish us luck!