Atlantis STS 125

[badchap]

View from the NASA causeway.

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[iceman]

Awesome! Did you take those?

[badchap]

Now I hope I've done that right..

After all the angst and planning, and last minute horrors regarding the bus company's shabby treatment of us even getting out onto the causeway on launch day, the weather held, flocks of birds and bats stayed at bay, the ice formation remained within acceptable levels, no other last minute technical issues raised their ugly heads, and Atlantis made a spectacular and beautiful ascent to the heavens right in front of our eyes !
:)

Whatever you think of manned space flight, there is something extra special about viewing a rocket launch and knowing that your fellow humans are sitting atop all that explosive as well - concern for their safety accompanies hopes for a successful mission.
I was very glad when they (finally) landed safe and sound.

[badchap]

yes - I took them with my little small pentax camera !!
I wanted to take a few pictures with my very own camera of course, but not too many, as I didn't want to miss out on seeing this with my own eyes as well - I figured that if my photos didn't come out, there are plenty of photos available from photographers with good cameras... but seeing this with my own eyes as well, was fantastic !

[badchap]

There was a bit of humidity around on the day, so it was a little hazy, but we could (just) see Endeavour on the more distant pad 39B - I did get at least one pic with both shuttles in view, but for now I cannot find it.

[badchap]

Here is one photo of both shuttles on their pads - the distant one over to the left is Endeavour, the then launch on need vehicle, and then Atlantis is closer and on the right of the picture.
Turns out I do have a few more pictures with both shuttles in view, but this is about the clearest I could manage with my little camera.


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All of these shots are just with my small, hand held little pentax optio m60, so I'm pleased enough.

[iceman]

Excellent shots! What a blast (literally) it would've been to be there for the launch.

[badchap]

I highly recommend the experience !

:)