11:20 a.m. ET
Right on the mark – totally spectacular. Countdown resumed at the 9 minute mark and everything worked as planned. At the 6 second mark, the main engines were started and throttled up. With the mains performing normally, the solids were lit at zero and STS-114 lifted off. I confess – it’s an emotional moment. The flame is so bright that you almost cannot look at it, far brighter than you see on TV.
There was one cloud in the sky and after 15-20 seconds the Shuttle passed behind the cloud and out of our view for 10-15 seconds. When it reappeared, the crowd exploded into cheers again. When the solid rocket boosters punch off, you can feel the crowd breathe a sigh of relief. A critical point in the launch has passed. And in about 8 and a half minutes, they attained orbital speed of 17,500 mph and the main engines were cut off. Orbit achieved!
‘Vegas’ and his mates are in orbit.
I’m glad that I experienced it. I wish that Nancy & Jessica could have been with me.
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10:07 a.m. ET
We’re now at the planned hold at the 9:00 minutes to go mark. No problems at the moment. A security helicopter just flew overhead. I’ve been told that the First Lady is here, at the Launch Control Center. The countdown will resume in 18 minutes. The bleachers for the crew guests are about filled now.
Jim Kelly’s wife Dawn and their four kids are also at the LCC with the rest of the crew’s immediate families. I can only imagine the pride they must feel! I can feel my pulse picking up.
Go, Discovery! 10 minutes now until countdown resumes.
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8:10 a.m. ET
Good morning, UA friends. We’ve just boarded the buses for a planned 8 a.m. departure for Banana Creek. The weather here on Merritt Island and as far as these old eyes can see is gorgeous – no clouds in sight and calm winds. Now, if these weather conditions can just hang on for another three hours. I’m optimistic! On a personal note, I landed at Orlando International at 1:15 a.m., got my car, got checked into my hotel and turned in at 2:30 a.m. Up at 5:45 a.m. and on my way to the coast at 6:15. The crowd of crew guests seems a little smaller than on the 13th, but is in very high spirits. The buses are rolling! Go, Vegas, Eileen and rest of crew!
Later…
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RELEVANT LINKS:
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Michael Freeman is an Associate Professor of aerospace engineering and mechanics at The University of Alabama. He is attending this week’s launch of the space shuttle Discovery, and will publish daily accounts of the events surrounding the shuttle’s “return to flight” launch. UA graduate James Kelly is the pilot of STS-114, NASA’s first space flight in over two years. Dr. Freeman may be reached by e-mail at michael.freeman@ua.edu.