The launch!

Again, this morning the first thing on everyone's mind was, today's the day, but this time it was a bit more guarded. We all knew the implications if today was not successful and seemed to be afraid of doing or saying anything that would jinx the launch. Sounds a bit superstitious for scientist and engineers, doesn't it?

I went to the tag-up meeting with the "ops" group, and was again impressed with the cohesiveness and "up" feelings I got from this little team. As each person reported the status of their responsibilities, either Shahn, Angela (both bios coming soon) or Bruce would remark about a specific positive about that person's contribution to the bigger picture. It was a very encouraging atmosphere. I don't think any of us ever gets so secure that we can't be touched by some positive feedback. I think this group is very lucky to have such encouraging leaders! Note to self: remember how good it makes people feel when you notice what they've done well.

With each passing hour we were more confident that The Event would really happen today! Actually, we got word last night that the communication problem had been solved, so we could be hopeful that no other glitch would get in the way of a successful launch. Every once in awhile the wind would pick up, and you'd see that "Oh, no!" look passed around.

Following the meeting, we knew that the next event in the total launch agenda was the photo opportunity of catching the flight crew leaving the O&C building (where the above meeting just happened to be held , so we donned cameras and went downstairs to wait with the press and other anxious well-wishers. I could really feel the energy in the crowd as somehow the idea of boarding the crew was the final step toward really committing to the flight today! There was a flurry of activity, I heard a lot of "There they come!"s and then the door burst open and the 7 STS-90 human passengers emerged and were rushed towards the waiting bus that would carry them to the pad.

We decided to lunch at the VAB and then pick a good vantage point to watch the launch. Because of the outside possibility of a last minute delay, the ops team couldn't be too far from the lab areas in case they were called into instant service. Even with all the badges these people had, we spend a good deal of time finding an area we were allowed to be that would give us a good view without trapping us in an overly populated area that would be hard to navigate for an easy departure if necessary. We settled on a place where climbing some construction equipment might let us see over the trees and while we waited would give us some shade. Turns out, we were kicked off the equipment by base security and found the highest ground we could for viewing. My daughter, Darlene, joined the VIPs at Banana Creek and wrote some of her impressions of that experience for you to share.

We were not entirely able to hear the loud speakers so I'm delighted that Darlene shared a lot of what was going on from that stand point. We heard when the 20 minute hold was called. It was explained to me that at this point planes flew around the launch site area to test conditions above the pad. The report we got was that it would be a bumpy ride, but all seemed okay. Then they announced that the 20 minute hold was terminated (a term that made me jump each time) and then the countdown would continue. And then, almost without warning (if you can say that about something you've anticipated for so long!) there it was! The steam plumes from water sprayed on to cool the area, the fire and smoke from the rocket boosters, and all I can say from then is, "Wow!" I know my pictures can't begin to capture the excitement and rush we all felt! But I'll share them anyway.

I'm actually glad that my digital camera ran out of capacity before the rocket boosters fell away. I probably would have missed it hidden behind a camera. It was far more obvious than I had anticipated, and startled me a little. It turns out, I did get these pictures on my other camera. Is this what you would have expected?

But then we all burst into a whoop of relief/excelleration hugging and congratulating each other. The sense was, "We did it!" Each person felt very much a part of having made this happen, and rightfully so.

Naturally we needed to celebrate, so some of us got together for dinner that evening. It was during dinner that we got the report: the crew had powered up Neurolab. Everything looks good, with only minor disappointment in the outputs from two of the sensors onboard.