Space Shuttle Discovery launches in the dawn’s early light
With the hint of light in the early morning skies, Space Shuttle Discovery launched this morning – spectacularly. If you’ve never been to a launch, words simply cannot describe this awesome display of power. Words cannot emulate the extreme amount of American pride each citizen of our country felt this morning as hundreds watched the trail of smoke dissipate into the bluing sky. This morning, I shed a few tears, as I often have during a space shuttle launch. However, today they were not just tears of pride; today, they were also tears of sadness. With so few launches left, this great American example of greatness will no longer be a part of our nation. With so few launches left, thousands of my neighbors will be out of a job. With so few launches left, the state of Florida and future generations will experience a loss unlike any other.
Space Shuttle Discovery traveled into space to deliver supplies to the International Space Station just as the sun began to hint at the horizon this morning. One of four final shuttle flights NASA will complete before retiring the orbiters we’ve become accustomed to. With other American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts waiting their arrival at the ISS, I wondered, what other country is at the dawn of their space program, waiting to take this opportunity to surpass our nation in space travel and scientific discovery? Russia? Japan? Another country? Wake up Floridians! Wake up America! Those tremors from launch pad 39A this morning should be telling us something!
The moon exploration program, Constellation, has already been canceled. We’ve already been given a date for the ‘end’ of our nation’s support of the space station in 2020. This is, of course, relying on others to provide service to the station for the next 10 years. Other countries and people – not my neighbors who will be filling out job applications and paperwork for unemployment. No, our country will be paying other countries and foreign companies to do our work. Other countries will be the ones making scientific advancements – not the U.S.A. Talk about a trail of smoke!
Today’s launch, with all of its greatness – including marking the most women in space at one time (4) – will be one of our last. The next launch (Atlantis) is scheduled for May 14. Then July 29 the Endeavour is scheduled to launch and then September 16 the Discovery will make its final delivery to the ISS. I strongly urge anyone who has not witnessed a launch to do so. Take the time to gather the children and grandchildren and drive to Kennedy Space Center and experience this great American achievement. Plan a vacation to Florida to include one of these dates. Don’t miss it…you’ll not regret it.
When president Obama visits Florida next week, he will elaborate on his vision for American space exploration. I’ll hold my breath, as I did this morning, that this great American dream will continue to light the dawn’s early skies.
Last Updated on December 12, 2014
