Live from KSC - 2 Days Before Launch
What a day! We arrived at the press parking area, got our badges, and carpooled in with some other media people to the press area. We're right near the VAB (vehicle assembly building) and 3 miles or so from the launchpad. Once settled we took a bus tour of the launch complex and we got closer to the shuttle than I ever could've dreamed of! Tomorrow night we get to do it again tomorrow night when they roll back the service bay, too.
My only complaints thus far relate to the crappy wireless internet service and the heat and humidity that is Florida in the summertime.
Click the link for pictures and stay tuned for more as the week goes on!
The VAB from the press area
The shuttle from the press area
This barge carries the external fuel tank to the VAB
Stands and tower next to the landing facility
The crawler with the VAB in the background
Mobile launch platform
This is as close as they'd let us go
Closer shot
Looking back along the crawler road
Another angle
6 Comments
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Oh Jeff! I'm so excited for you! I'd be so emotional in that position. I get emotional just thinking about the return to space, but to get to see it? Wow! I'm so excited! Look! Exclamation points!!!!
Jeff,
You lucky dog!!!
Wish i was there!
I was at a launch back in '74 or so for a Voyager or some other space satellite liftoff (before the Shuttle days). It was impressive even with a small payload like that. The Shuttle will be waaaaay neat to see in person. Have fun!!!
Holy Crap! That platform is huge!
This is my first time to see it upclose.
If you are bored there is a nuc sub base just off the south east entrance leading into the air force sector of the launch facility. They used to give tours of the ballistic nuc subs, sorry no pic's allowed of course. As far as the shuttle is concerned, I would not hold out to much hope that the bird is going off this weekend. I used work out there on site and the problem they have will take a few days longer, esp with the higher levels of QA and safety involved. And after a few days they have to unload the fuel tank and start over again, but hey may have already done this by now. But when the bird does take off it is very impressive, you are in for a treat if it is your first time.
Don
Great shots! I didn't get as much access, but check here for my shots of the last Columbia launch: http://homepage.mac.com/mcmurman/PhotoAlbum20.html
-murray