December 7, 2006

There were 2 posts published on December 7, 2006 (this is page 1 of 1).

Shuttle Launch Scrubbed

The launch of space shuttle Discovery on STS-116 was scrubbed at 9:36 PM tonight due to a low ceiling violation with the weather above Kennedy Space Center. An hour before the 10 minute launch window the weather looked like it would hold. As the seconds ticked down on the launch window, you could see the disappointment in the faces of launch controllers. While I’m sure they’re disappointed, I’m pleased they didn’t compromise the safety of the shuttle and crew.

The next window allowing a launch is later this week. Odds are it won’t be a spectacular nighttime launch, though. Bah. Continue reading →

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Shuttle Scheduled For Launch Tonight

Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled for launch tonight at 9:35 PM EST. If you’ve got a view of the southeast sky at 10 degrees above horizon, you may see the launch as the shuttle progresses through the sky.

I remember seeing a eerily beautiful glowing cloud in the sky as I was driving home from work a few years back. If I recall correctly, it was exhaust from a rocket launched from California: the sun shining through it long after its rays had moved west across Earth. I’m hoping tonight’s launch is just as eerily beautiful.

In related news, I was happy to hear NASA is planning at least one more service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, in my opinion one of the greatest scientific devices ever constructed.