Today was one of the most fascinating days I’ve experienced in a long time – and it all took place right here on my computer. Most everyone reading this knows that Shuttle Atlantis rendezvoused with the Hubble Space Telescope today and is now in position to begin service work in the morning. In fact, most everyone reading this watched the event in real time via NASA TV, as did I. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Thinking about it even now, hours later, I am no less impressed with the accomplishment and no less grateful that NASA shared it with us.
For those who were not able to tune in, we listened and then watched as Shuttle Atlantis approached the Hubble Space Telescope, in orbit. And we all held our breath as, with great finesse, various members of the Atlantis crew performed the intricate maneuvers to secure the telescope. Hopefully, many of us will be watching again tomorrow, as crew members begin the first of five EVAs scheduled for this mission. (We’ll also probably be watching ESA’s launch of the Herschel and Planck crafts, as well!)
As with so many NASA events lately, experiencing today’s activities with fellow Space enthusiasts on Twitter made the day that much more exciting. Atlantis Mission Specialist Mike Massimino offered a special treat for Twitter followers this morning when he tweeted, “From orbit: Getting more accustomed to living in space today and getting ready for our big rendezvous with hubble.“ Yesterday, Massimino’s followers received the first-ever tweet from Space, when he sent the message, “From orbit: Launch was awesome!! I am feeling great, working hard, & enjoying the magnificent views, the adventure of a lifetime has begun!“
I like those words – “the adventure of a lifetime.” I thought about Massimino and his fellow crew members alot today, with those very same words in mind.
If you who missed today’s rendezvous, I have a few screen captures, below. I think the images speak for the day, so that no descriptions are really needed. NASA also has a video of the event over here, in the right-side column, under Related Multimedia.
If you are a fan of NASA’s Space program, you are probably also well aware of NASA’s budget constraints. Good science does not come cheap and this is especially true of Space-related studies, whether they be Earth-based or beyond.
