I just saw the space shuttle Endeavor being flown over Silicon Valley headed south from what used to be called Moffett Field. It was a great moment for me. I remember the beautiful posters my then-young boys had hanging in their bedrooms of the brand-new space shuttle, our family visit to Cape Canaveral, and my son’s visit to Space Camp. I still remember what it felt like to be in the zero-gravity simulation chair and the space shuttle mock-up they got to explore. Awe-inspiring.
And I remember where I was and the shock and the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I learned of both shuttle disasters. How tragic and surreal it felt. One moment the shuttles and their crews were soaring in all their magnificence, and the next they were gone.
Now, to see the final chapter so many years later with my grown daughter was a special event for me.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
my dad and I visited Cape Canaveral and some of those early space capsules were sardine cans! Excuse my language but those astronauts must have had balls of steel ( or some other hard lightweight metallic alloy ) to get strapped on top of those gigantic tanks of explosives.
I think the space program made us exporters of technology and fostered an idea of adventure, inventiveness and accomplishment that has been sadly lost. The space program was the seed that inspired a whole generation.
Yes the courage of all astronauts and cosmonauts was and still is incredible. JFK’s audacious challenge to have man walk on the moon within a decade was a wonderful catalyst and inspiration throughout the world.
What a sight that must have been, Russ. It makes me sad sometimes to realize that this chapter is over.
It was indeed. I too feel sadness that this chapter is over, Cathy.
I got to see Endeavor when it flew over DC. It was great. Glad you got to see it too, Russ.
Cool! So many feelings and memories brought to that moment.
Here’s the post I wrote on it and the pictures from my office: http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2012/04/17/back-from-beyond/
Cool! I remember reading your post and loved looking at your photos again, Elyse. Thank you!
Russ
I have followed the space program my whole life and it’s sad to see this chapter end. I was living in Ohio when John Glen took a ride on the shuttle. After the flight he came to address the Ohio Legistlature and I got a chance to have him autograph the 45 RMP recording I have of his first space flight.
That must have been a wonderful experience for you! Thank you for telling us about it.