Living in the Nation’s Capital, we’re privy to a lot of wonderful opportunities that are history in the making. Today scores of people gathered in spots in and around The National Mall for a glimpse of Space Shuttle Discovery as she traveled from Florida to her final resting place at The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center.
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| Space Shuttle Discovery over the Smithsonian Castle |
In many ways, witnessing the shuttle on the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was a bittersweet occasion because while it was exciting, it also marks the end of the Space Shuttle era. So many of my childhood memories involve the Space Shuttle. From the exciting liftoff of the first launch on April 12, 1981 to watching in disbelief as the Challenger broke apart a mere 73 seconds into its flight and hearing the incredible sonic boom of Atlantis re-entering the atmosphere as it returned to Kennedy Space Center after its final mission. Those moments were inspiring, heartbreaking, and just plain cool and will forever live on in my memory.
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| Discovery flies over the Capitol Building |
What’s next for NASA? NASA plans to continue their exploration, technology development, and scientific research. There is a new International Space Station for collaborative work with 15 countries and the new Space Launch System will transport astronauts well beyond the orbit ability of the space shuttle fleet. Certainly this new chapter in space exploration is exciting and will inspire a new generation of kids but it makes me a little nostalgic knowing that it’s happening without our Nation’s beloved Space Shuttles.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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So exciting! It was fun to enjoy it through your FB posts and on NASA TV at my desk!