There are very, very few things that make me cry.

[gridlore]

Add this video to the list.

Nothing affects me like the space program. I honestly believe that it is our only hope for survival and growth as a species. And witnessing a launch! There is nothing so primal, so terrifyingly awesome, as a rocket leaving the pad. The first launch I witnessed back in 1985 was a Delta. I thought that was loud. Then I saw Discovery launch in January 1985. God had come down to Earth, and he was upset. You literally cannot describe the sheer force of the shuttle's liftoff, even from the safe distance of Engine Test Road. You are far enough away to have enough time to see the engines fire, and start thinking "shouldn't there be a sou.." RRRRRRRRROOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!!!! As all thoughts, all ability to do more then scream in triumph at this harnassed power, as it moves a frigging office block off the pad and leaps into the sky.

For three days after that first experience, I had a grin on my face that not even the US Army could erase.

God speed, Discovery.

Comments

[jeffreycornish.livejournal.com]

Go Discovery Go!

[chaotic-nipple.livejournal.com]

A few years back, we were at PT bright and early in the morning when I noticed an unusual contrail. It was light colored at the bottom, then red, then a strange rainbow, before fading. After a moments puzzlement, I realized that it was the shuttle launching 300 miles south of Fort Stewart. THAT was cool.