Shuttle launch 6.20pm today (May 14th)

[delticbob]

Just caught on going preparations for Atlantis's last launch on the BBC News channel.

Lift off is due at approx 6.20pm UK time. Seems there are only 3 more shuttle launches after this. The end of another aviation era looms.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Edit at 7:10pm...in a planned 'hold' phase. Expected lift off now approx 7.20PM.

Satisfactory lift off.

Bob

[airboatr]

Thanks Bob

[petermcleland]

A great launch and they are safely in orbit

[Chris Trott]

Watching the launch replay right now.

[airboatr]

I took a pic of it while in Palm Beach today...






















it's behind those dang clouds ...

[FlyTexas]

That must be great to live close enough to witness the launches.

Brian

[airboatr]

It is Brian,
the last launch I'm hoping to use my previous media pass so I can be ...
maybe next to the big clock - or VIP section --

but then again, I hate long goodbyes, may not ..

This is Atlantis' last ,
I photographed her from the base of the launch pad back in the early ninties..
I remember calling my parents and saying, you'll never guess where I am



















and they were like .. Prison??
and I was like noooooooo

















I'm just kidding on that part , I figured a few in here would get a good chuckle
.... it's a little quiet here this am (your pm)

[DaveB]

It made me laugh Joe

ATB

DaveB

[FlyTexas]

If you make it to the final launch be sure to take plenty of pics. We'd love to see 'em.

Brian

[jonesey2k]

If there ever is a shuttle replacement it really needs to be single-stage-to-orbit. The Reaction Engines Skylon looks rather neat.
With the technology we have these days like carbon nanotubes ect we should be able to do it, as long as somebody is willing to stomp up the cash...