This week’s topic on GBE2 (Global Blogging Experience 2) is Success, and I couldn’t think of exactly what to write about, until this morning, when I checked the NASA web site to see when the space shuttle Endeavour was due to land, and it was just under an hour away.
Landing safely at 2:35am at Kennedy Space Center on 1st June, this was the last mission for Endeavour, the last of the shuttles to be built, and I had to reflect on what a successful project the space shuttle program has been.
Although there have been several truly low points in the program, the breaking up of Challenger 73 minutes into it’s launch on 28th January 1986, and the equally sad loss of Columbia on 1st February 2003 just minutes before it was due to land, if we step back and look at what the space shuttle program has achieved, it’s remarkable.
Since the first flight of the shuttle on 12th April 1981, 30 years ago, man has built an orbiting space station, which is not just an American but an international effort.
The shuttles have been back and forth to the International Space Station over a hundred times, have both launched as well as captured and repaired satellites, including the Hubble Telescope.
NASA has proved that it is possible to build a re-useable space vehicle, and other than problems with the heat shield, which caused the loss of Colombia, I have never ceased to marvel at how smoothly the shuttle comes into land, especially if you consider that it’s descent and speed are far greater than any conventional airliner.
We have overcome many problems while constructing the space station as well, and I think if you look back, the Space Shuttle Program has been nothing but an outstanding success.
Congratulations to the crew of Endeavour on what has been another successful mission, it’s good to see you back on the ground.
Good Luck also to the crew of Atlantis, who are due to depart on it’s last mission in July, the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program.
While I remember the Apollo Program and the missions to the moon in the late 1960’s, it’s remarkable to think that for many people, the space shuttles have been operating for most if not all of their lives.
It will seem strange not being able to witness a shuttle launch again, but the next generation of shuttles might be even more impressive.
This article was a project for the week for GBE2 (Global Blogging Experience) and was based on the word “Success”.
20 thoughts on “Success And Endeavour Mean A Lot Today”
Wondering if there will even be a replacement for these shuttles. The space side of things seems to be dying a death, but I really hope that isn’t the case.
Well there is a bigger/better version in the pipeline, but it could be that private ventures will overtake NASA’s efforts. The next 5 years ought to be interesting.
Today’s kids and young adults barely seem to notice any of the activities of the space program. Honestly, even the news covers launches and landings casually now, as long as everything goes smoothly. Luckily, it almost always does.
I watched the landing at 7:30am in the UK (NASA TV on their web site) but there was nothing on the television. Rather a shame, considering that this was the penultimate landing.
At 2:35 this morning, I jumped a little as the shuttle came down. LOL Where I live, the end of the shuttle program is sort of scary, even if you don’t work for NASA. They say they are working on something else like it and I hope that’s successful. I have enjoyed being able to watch launches from my front porch. I’ll miss that.
I was lucky to see a launch from Titisvulle 4 years ago, that was spectacular. Other than that I saw 4 from South Florida when I was living in Deerfield Beach and Hollywood. I will miss it, hope they do manage to create a successor.
Great information about the success of the Endeavour. I have always found the explorations into space fascinating. I am sorry to see them come to an end. Great blog!
Kathy
http://www.thetruckerswife.com/
Ever see that movie “Mars” on the IMAX screen? It was amazing!
It is still interesting to me. Strange that it doesn’t seem to be as big a deal as it used to be.
It reminded me of the movie Apollo 13, where Tom Hank’s Grandma wanted to watch the launch on the television in the nursing home she was in, and the coverage was replaced by something else. Sad really.
I, too, was majorly moved by the Challenger explosion. Years later I did a study on it in college when forums were new to the Internet. The man whose job it was to press the abort button wrote to me as part of my project. The reality of his job truly made an impact.
I still quake every time I watch that launch. I dread to think what the crew were going through in those final few seconds.
YOU are an astronaut! Thank you for launching us! A true gift
What an interesting perspective on success. Great job!
To remember when I was in elementary school and home sick the day an American was first shot into space. The space station was science fiction back then. Don’t we all wonder what it will be 49 years from now.
Pam
Yes, NASA has had outstanding success in the space program. The problem — any one failure is devastating!
Joyce
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2011/05/acrostic-success_31.html
What a great tie-in. We used to get so excited about the space program.
It seems when I was a kid, it was a really big deal to watch a shuttle take off and land.
Now, I don’t even think kids know or notice. I think that lack of attention to the space program is a shame.
I’m glad for all the successes we’ve made in space and I hope we can find ways to continue our efforts in space exploration.
Great Post Tony! Cheers, Jenn.
I live on the south western side of Florida and the sonic boom woke me up that morning. LOL. It can get loud. Great blog.
Thanks for that update! It is an amazing to think that man is willing to be plummeted into space and actually get out of that space ship and explore…amazing.