It has been a long time coming but finally Space Shuttle Atlantis is ready to go! After lengthly repairs to the external fuel tank which was damaged by a freak hailstorm in February were carried out the launch is now finally ready and is scheduled for 7.38pm tomorrow (Friday) night. There is a 70% chance that the weather will be favorable. STS-117 is a go!
The launch is the first shuttle launch this year and will be an awe inspiring sight as always. It is broadcast on the local Public Service NASA TV channel – although minor launches like the rocket carrying satellites earlier this year was broadcast on Central Florida News 13 (A BRIGHTHOUSE cable channel) which also allowed streaming audio over the internet. However, NASA TV is also broadcast over the internet. Click on that link or the one below. It has different formats (Windows Media player for full screen is very impressive, you get the full countdown and everything!)
However, if you want to experience the launch you really can’t beat being here, even if not on the beaches at Titusville or Cocoa from Clermont or Davenport which are 60-70 miles from those locations you can see the launch (ok the rockets look smaller but it still lights up the sky.)
