STS-132/ISS-ULF4 launched successfully on her first try yesterday from Florida. 13 days in space, 3 spacewalks, a slew of robotic activity and undoubtedly some antics from the crew will happen before they all return safely to earth around May 26th.
This is my final Lead Flight Activities Officer (FAO) assignment before the end of the shuttle program and it is also the last time I will get to sit in the Shuttle Flight Control Room ("front room", people you see on NASA TV...) in my career.
It is certainly bittersweet. The road to getting this mission off the ground has been a long one, so on one hand it is exciting to get the ball rolling and have an end in sight. On the other hand, since it is the final mission of this vehicle, Atlantis, my final mission as FAO, and nearing the end of the space shuttle program, I can't help but feel a small sense of loss. I will be focusing on enjoying the last moments of my time as a shuttle flight controller and reflecting on how much this program has meant to me and should mean to the American public.
Go get 'em Atlantis!
1 comment:
Enjoy it honey! And we will have a celebratory frosty beverage when I get there the next week!
I love you!
Post a Comment