Early this a.m. I finally had the privilege of viewing a rocket launch (specifically a Falcon 9 SpaceX) from as close as I could get as a civilian to Vandenberg AFB. It was spectacular, especially the roaring, vibrating SOUND, and well-worth the 2 hour drive each way. All I could think or say during the launch was, "Oh wow oh wow oh wow". I have a video but unsure how to share it, so here's our photo!
My wonderful physics major son joined me for this adventure. I cherish any time spent with him, but this has been an especially great week- mini-vacay, my birthday, back on my mountain bike, and crossing off a bucket list item (this launch)!
Awesome! I've been privileged to have worked in space operations, and to have witnessed several launches at Vandenberg, as well as our entire family being in Titusville, to witness the shuttle launch (Discovery) that returned John Glenn to space in 1998. Few experiences, if any, can rival these, and you are very fortunate to have witnessed this in person. I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness an Apollo (Saturn V) launch, still the most powerful rocket ever built! Peace.
Sweet! I was lucky enough to attend the launch of the first Shuttle flight after the Challenger disaster. There were people from all over the world there. I expected the roar when the shuttle blasted off, but not the ground shaking so much!
Shuttle Atlantis ... remember it well. We all held our breath when we heard those immortal words, "Go with throttle up."
Wow, a really big WOW, I really admire Musk.
Admiration for him declining upon learning he's using heavy handed tactics to keep any of his employees from unionising.
@Maiasaura - When I looked it up it was apparently referring to his Tesla employees.
@WilliamCharles sorry to hear that, it would be a shame
I have to go watch one, and I have lived 30 miles from Vandenberg now for 6 years.....I collect any form of space memorabilia I can find...space exploration is our future and I live the history we have, WE WALKED ON THE FRIKIN’ MOON! .... to think the humans have the capacity to understand what makes things work in this universe and also understand how to manipulate our resources to accomplish what 200 years ago could only be explained as magic or an act of god just amazes me, I guess that makes me a “ space nut “ huh?
It's one on my bucket list as well. So glad you shared.