Did you know that, although in American English we spell it "endeavor," the space shuttle is "Endeavour"? It's because it is named for Captain James Cook's ship, the HMS Endeavour. Of course, it doesn't help that NASA workers themselves have misspelled it on occasion, and my browser's spell-check doesn't like it, either. Tough cookies, baby, it's all about history.
This morning, Bradley pulled up the NASA's live feed of the Endeavour, and we all (except Gee, who was still sleeping) snuggled in our bed together and watched the liftoff. It was strangely exciting--I'm not sure I have watched more than one other live liftoff* in my life--and the older kids, Zee especially, had many questions and great interest.
There's a little bit of sadness because this is Endeavour's last flight, and the second-to-last shuttle flight ever. I can't disagree with budget cuts and moving space exploration to the private sector, but there is a bit of me that is sad to see this phase end.
*I didn't even watch the Challenger liftoff and subsequent disaster live, which is probably a good thing, seeing as I was at the tender age of 9 when it occurred. We, naturally, watched the footage of the disaster several times that day, though, until our teachers realized that they probably shouldn't dwell on it in front of the kids.
I remember watching the Challenger. I was in Miss Rasbands class. I remember her hitting the power button and changing the subject pretty much immediately upon the explosion.
ReplyDeleteExcept, Jen, I was in third grade. Sure you aren't thinking about Mrs. Houston or whoever you had for fourth grade? It was 1986, Gabrielle's ninth birthday.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right!
ReplyDeleteI was only 3, so I don't remember the Challenger, but I was waiting to watch the Columbia re-entry footage live. I spent most of that day in tears.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad that it's coming to an end. I've always loved reading about/watching the shuttle launches.