Source: Orlando Sentinel
Space shuttle Discovery landed today at Kennedy Space Center after a 15-day mission to the International Space Station. Now the real countdown begins and those wishing to see the last of the shuttle launches have only three shots left — one for each of the three remaining orbiters in the fleet.
Next up is Atlantis on STS-132 slated for a 2:30 p.m. launch on Friday, May 14 for a 12-day mission.
Then Endeavour will shoot for STS-134, planned for Thursday, July 29 at 7:51 a.m for a 12-day mission.
The final launch will be Discovery in September on STS-133. That’s planned for Thursday, Sept. 16 at 11:57 a.m. for a planned 8-day mission.
The last one will be a media circus and the crowds will should be incredible, so if you’re a space enthusiast, you may want to make plans now for where you’re going to stay.
If you do plan on watching the shuttle launch or land for that matter, be sure to check nasa.gov for updates for changes to the schedule. You can view the complete launch calendar at http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html.
For those trying to watch from Kennedy Space Center, you’ll have to purchase tickets from http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/space-shuttle-launch-viewing-tickets.aspxM. Launch tickets for the May launch are currently not available, but tickets will typically go on sale three to six weeks prior to the scheduled launch date.
The off-site locations can be just as dramatic, especially looking over the water. Check our our graphic with recommended locations here. You get the visual thrill, the reflection and then there’s the sound. If you’re in the crowd, you’ll first see the bright glow of the engines firing up followed by the rapid-fire clicking of hundreds of cameras. As the shuttle lifts off, the cheers and whistles will surround you until all the clicking and cheers are drowned out by the deafening roar of the engines.
It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before and worth the trip. With only three shots left, it’s time to get planning.