I just returned from a most amazing experience watching the first exploration flight test of NASA’s Orion Spacecraft. The launch experience was incredible. It was great fun crowding onto the causeway with friends from Clear Lake along with some 27,000 others. I would describe the lift-off as more sleek and powerful than brawny and explosive. (However, this was the first launch of any kind I've ever seen so I don't have anything to compare except others' descriptions.)
As amazing as the launch itself was, even more amazing was the understanding I gained about the true significance of this event.
For the past 30 years we've been shuttling astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) which is a mere 220 miles away from earth. The moon is another 1,000 times farther from earth and we haven't flown that far in nearly 50 years. Mars is 34 million miles away. Orion is designed to go to Mars!! In my unscientific estimation that's like the difference between going from your couch to the fridge vs. climbing Mount Everest... several times. It's difficult for me to even conceive of such a feat, let alone comprehend the sort of vision, brainpower and dedication required to make it happen.
Friday's launch was the first step in this incredible journey toward Mars. I'm humbled and grateful to have witnessed it in person. You amaze me, every last one of you involved with our space program and those involved with the Orion project in particular. I'm so very proud to be among you.
 |
| 3pm launch briefing. Very interesting information and a VERY animated final speaker! |
 |
| Me next to the Orion capsule. (The real one is bigger...) |
 |
| Outside the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex |
 |
| Pointing at the launch pad. |
 |
| 27,000 of my closet friends waiting for the launch Thursday morning that was eventually scrubbed. |
 |
| iPhone closeup of the launch pad. |
 |
 |
| After Friday's successful launch. All we could see afterwards from the ground was this huge plume of smoke. |
No comments:
Post a Comment