It’s better in person
It’s been quite a long time since I had a chance to see a shuttle launch in person, despite numerous attempts otherwise. The normal routine is to jump in the car last minute, drive 16 hours across 5 states, usually in the middle of the night, with 3 two-minute stops only for gas. It’s hard to explain the logic behind this sleep and food deprived ritual and usually takes quite a bit of convincing in order to get others to join me. But here’s why I do it: “a shuttle launch is just better in person.”
In today’s age of HD video, livecasting, and everything in between, it’s hard to imagine that you wouldn’t be able to capture all the glory of a launch in bits and bytes. The fact of the matter is, you can’t. Even as good as the Discovery Channel is, their footage just doesn’t compare. Seeing a shuttle launch in person is truly an awe-inspiring experiences, one that will change your perspective. It’s something you’ll never forget. It’s something you just have to experience for yourself, in person.
What made today that much sweeter for me was to experience this launch with 100 of the most excited space fans I have ever met. NASA hosted it’s first ever launch “tweetup,” bringing together people from around the world and giving them behind the scenes access to NASA. Q/A sessions with astronauts and engineers, tours of Kennedy Space Center, and most importantly, an opportunity to watch the launch in person, from the same place that press watches from. I had a unique advantage today to just sit back and observe the passion of those who were allowed an opportunity to participate in NASA’s mission, some for the first time ever. It’s hard to capture their excitement for our space program, but I think a photo by Justin W. Moore (@bikegeek) sums it up better than anything I could write. It’s a great reminder of why NASA does what it does.
The benefit of NASA’s use of social media tools and technologies is that launch events like today’s can be archived online. Anyone can follow the (and participate in) the #nasatweetup conversation. You can watch webcasts of the events, browse thousands of pictures on flickr, and share in the excitement. But, with only 5 more shuttle launches left, we’re quickly closing this chapter in America’s human space-flight ambitions. If you haven’t had a chance to experience one in person, I’d do anything possible to see one – even if it means driving 16 hours across 5 states, or flying in from New Zealand, or using your last vacation day even if your boss doesn’t quite understand. That fact is, it’s just better in person.
mrdoornbos on November 16th, 2009
You could have said nothing but "it's better in person" with a picture like that. Awesome. Seriously.
@Harbles on November 16th, 2009
I believe NASA has had other tweetups (JPL, NASA HQ in DC) but this is the first launch tweetup. I think they should continue as the Space Tweeps seemed to bring good luck to the KSC with a flawless countdown and launch.
To Space and beyond!
@Smith5se on November 16th, 2009
I couldn't agree with you more and I am proof of what you speak. Always enjoyed NASA since high school even went down with my mom during a vacation after Columbia to pay our respects but until I saw my first launch STS-125 I wasn't very interested in the indepth aspects. Upon feeling the raw power given off by that launch I was hooked and wanted to know more indepth of the program; the technical terms I heard used on the speakers and how it all worked. I also too took the time to connect my field of study with NASA though as a masters student I still find myself wishing "man, I wish I did that when I was younger." I will also add that the experience of a live launch is addicting and you'll want to see it again and again!
Great post.
@kurtjmac on November 17th, 2009
I can't agree more and am going to do my damnedest to try for every last one. I had NASA Causeway tickets for STS-119 Discovery back in February, but it got delayed a month so I missed it (got to see it up close on the pad though). As luck would have it I was in St. Pete, FL during STS-128 Discovery night launch, and even from the other side of Florida it was a spectacular sight, a huge column of fire rising from the eastern horizon! I hope NASA holds more launch Tweetups in the future, because I'd try to get into every single one!
@Sekhmara on November 17th, 2009
Very nice article, and I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to see it in person. It has always been a dream of mine to see it live and in person. Hopefully I will get that opportunity soon… The Tweetup was a great thing for NASA to do and I really think they should do one for each of the last five mission. *hint hint*
@markratterman on November 17th, 2009
I have been fortunate to see two Apollo launches, STS-1 and today's' 11-16-2009 STS-129. Living about 160 miles NW I've seen the last half of SRB powered flight of a dozen plus Shuttle launches. Video gives you the basic knowledge of what a manned space flight launch is like. However, like you said "It is better in person" except it is More than better. Watching, seeing ignition, liftoff and then hearing-feeling the power of the Shuttle tells your mind that video, no matter how good, is only able to do so much. Make the trip, see it for yourself and You Will Understand
@bethbeck on November 23rd, 2009
Here! Here! Totally better in person. Thanks for sharing this! #nasatweetup
@ageekmom on November 30th, 2009
I'm tickled to see my daughter's picture here. I'd completely forgotten that it was going to be incorporated into a post but it's delightful to see it here. My husband, Justin W. Moore (http://www.outdoorphoto.com/) too the photo and we've made it available via Creative Commons though it should be attributed to my hubby. (Creative Commons-Attribution-Share Alike).
@ageekmom on November 30th, 2009
Pardon my headache-addled brain. The attribution was done PERFECTLY in the article. Missed it on my first read.
@runwithrob on December 16th, 2009
Spot on! Awesome post. My girlfriend and I were debating it for the most recent launch. We live in Southern California and I told her the odds of a launch scrub are something to always consider. This time, she was right and I was wrong – it went off with no delays. DOH!
I've experienced probably a dozen plus launches in person, even one from a Cessna just outside the no fly zone at sunrise (priceless). You are right – HD comes without the chills I get every time I am there in person. With next year being the last of the shuttle launches I have promised her that I'll get her there for her first launch in person.