The Shuttle Discovery Launch
We were lucky enough to get tickets to the VIP bleachers up at the Space Center to watch the shuttle launch
This is the launch platform. From where we were, we couldn't see the shuttle and we weren't even sure which pad they were using. You could see them both from where we were.
The countdown clock. This was really cool.
This is right at lift off. The engine has ignited but I don't think they have released it from the derrick yet.
Here it is just clearing the tower. The only thing were heard at this point is the water rushing into the blast area. We couldn't hear the shuttle until the thing a couple of seconds into the flight. Then the sound more that made up for it. The sound made the bleachers we were sitting on rumble. Very cool.
This was maybe 30 seconds into the flight. Already something like 8 miles out and going 1500 mph.
They said that the exhaust cloud was toxic. Good thing the wind was blowing down toward Cocoa. It must such to live in Cocoa.
This is maybe two minutes into the flight. We couldn't see it any more.