Goodbye to Space Shuttle Discovery

[Ian-T]

This is basically what we viewed here at the space center just over an hour ago. The end of an era. On its way to the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

IMG_8369.JPGIMG_8377.jpgIMG_8383.jpgIMG_8389.jpgIMG_8392.jpgIMG_8395.jpgIMG_8398.jpgIMG_8401.jpgIMG_8410.jpgIMG_8419.jpgIMG_8421.jpgIMG_8428.jpgIMG_8432.jpg

[Ian-T]

Another:

ground 2.jpgground 3.jpgGround.jpg

[chipgallo]

We are just down the road from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virgina at Dulles. Wondering if we will see the shuttle during its approach. End of an era for sure.

[Overcast, low cloud cover here. It was reported over Manassas about 10 minutes ago.]

[Ian-T]

We are just down the road from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virgina at Dulles. Wondering if we will see the shuttle during its approach. End of an era for sure.

[Overcast, low cloud cover here. It was reported over Manassas about 10 minutes ago.]

I have to make my way up there some day. I've only ever driven through DC but not stopped to visit the numerous sites.

Yeah...the space coast should be quiet for at least the next few years (aside from the usual military or gov launches). But from what i'm told it was like this during the Apollo/Shuttle gap back in the 70's (6 years).

[Janke]

So, how long do we have to wait to see the newborn, little airplanes?

images.jpg

[chipgallo]

I have to make my way up there some day. I've only ever driven through DC but not stopped to visit the numerous sites.

Yeah...the space coast should be quiet for at least the next few years (aside from the usual military or gov launches). But from what i'm told it was like this during the Apollo/Shuttle gap back in the 70's (6 years).

I highly recommend the National Air and Space Museum. The displays are beautifully mounted and lit and full of background information. It is an excellent photo opportunity and you should plan a full day at a minimum (and another day if you go to the downtown DC location). They have an IMAX Theater on site and ground shuttle to the museum from the adjacent Dulles International Airport. Admission is free but parking costs $15.

[Just noticed these webcams at the center. Maybe they will show the newest shuttle being rolled in. There is a taxiway from Dulles to the facility. It will probably go to the restoration hanger first.]

[Janke]

I highly recommend the National Air and Space Museum.

Yup, was there once. Took the whole day, and I didn't get to see quite everything. But I touched a piece of the moon!

[cgbier]

You sure it was from the moon?

[Janke]

So the sign said. Would the gummint lie to an unsuspecting tourist?

Here I'm poking it:

moon.jpg

[Almohada]

That is insane! I wonder how they get it to piggy-back on the plane (747?) !!!!!!!!