h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In less than 2 hours, if NASA sticks to schedule, Stephanie will finally get her ride...after waiting in the wings for over 10 years.

24 years ago this morning, Michael and I (and approximately 100,000 other people!) stood on the dry lake bed of Edwards Air Force Base, and watched the Shuttle Columbia make her 4th landing from space. Later that day, we watched the Challenger, mounted on the back of a 747, take off for Houston to get her engines mounted. And across the lake, by the hanger, we saw the test bed shuttle, Enterprise, sitting in glory. Of the three, the two "real" shuttles and their last crews are gone now.

I don't know how I feel about today. That day so long ago was so full of hope and excitement, poised on the edge of something wonderful. This morning, I feel such happiness for Stephanie and such trepidation for the future.

I'm also extremely nervous

s

and God speed the astronauts, bring them home safely. They're such brave souls!

Woo-HOO!!!



Stephanie Wilson, flying astronaut at last!!!!

SC

So far, so good... for the Discovery!

I, on the other hand, have been having my computer crash anytime I try to link up to NASA TV*, to watch what's going on up there!! I don't even know if the UKian astro-chappie, Sellers, has had his space walk yet!

I do know that they used the remote arm to check out their craft, and appear to have no damage, except for some suspected "bird s***".

SC

*I'll include the link here, in case someone else has better luck than I've had... http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/