Launches
Dec. 9th 8:47:35am EST
Click here to read about the STS-116 Mission!
STS-116 Discovery early morning of the first launch attempt Dec. 7th.
Flags are at half mast in remembrance of Pearl Harbor.
The Astro-Van heads out to Pad 39B on Dec. 7th.
STS-116 Crew lead by Commander Mark Polansky.
A few years ago I had the privilege to fly the shuttle simulator at JSC
to a docking to the ISS under Mark's guideness!
Discovery and crew at Pad 39B minutes before liftoff.
Space Shuttle Main Engine start!
Liftoff at 8:47:35pm
An image from Astronaut Road just under 3 miles from Pad 39B.
Discovery made night turn into day!
This image was a 5 minute, 13 second exposure.