We traveled to Titusville last year to view a Space Shuttle Launch, but as the time drew close for the launch, a cloud bank moved in, and we got a spectacular view of the first 100 to 200 feet of liftoff, until the shuttle disappeared into the dense clouds, all of about 5 seconds. When we found out that there would be another launch on Wednesday, March 11th, while we were at Salt Springs, we decided to try again. This was to be a night launch, but just barely. It was to go off just after sunset. We headed to Titusville, only to get a call from Rick about 15 minutes from their house that the launch had been scrubbed. We continued on our way and we all went out to Sonny's Barbeque for dinner. The launch was rescheduled for Sunday, March 15th, so four days later, we decided to try again. This time we would be successful. The launch went off on schedule, just after sunset, which made for a spectacular view, as the shuttle lifted off in the dark, then ascended thru the red hues of sunset and into the brightness of daylight. You can see the color changes in the contrail in the pictures. |
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Last updated 08/04/09 |