The last launch of Space Shuttle Discovery is planned for Thursday at 4:30pm (Eastern.) Personally I am sorry to see the program retired this year. I'm very glad I got to see a launch of Discovery some years ago--it was quite an experience! I scribbled this sketch (at right,) in my old, handwritten journal the night before that launch. It's been my only shuttle-based work. Perhaps it's time to do a proper, painted tribute...(see below.)Goodnight, sweet Space Shuttle program, just 2 flights away. Goodnight, manned space flight--I hope to see you again in my lifetime. Thanks to the multitude of people whose work and sacrifice brought us so much knowledge.
History of the Space Shuttle
NASA's page about the Space Shuttle
Discovery
Wikipedia page on the Space Shuttle
Space Station Info, a key destination of the Shuttle
Canadarm and Canadarm2
The Challenger Disaster
The Columbia Disaster
Update, Feb. 23, 2011; Here's the painting I've decided to do as an homage to NASA's Space Shuttle program...
12x24" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
Posts
29 comments:
Oh, that is so sad. The manned space age has been and gone in my lifetime. Let us hope the research will continue with un-manned probes. Bon voyage to Messenger en route to the Winged Messenger...
A little sad, but I don't think the exploration period is over. I hope the human race still has the will. Lovely sketch.
I wish I could have seen a launch. My friend saw it once and said it blows your mind and takes your breathe away. I joked, "Perhaps you were standing to close to it and the fumes from it got to you." He said, "No, man, if you ever get the chance to see it, you'll never forget it." I believe him.
Maybe someday, they'll have something else in it's place... if we don't annihilate ourselves first. That would kinda suck. :)
February 22, 2011 1:56 PM
so, this era ends now. I will miss it. It has been exciting to follow them.
My new blog is only a continuation of the first one. I had too many photos there it started to be difficult to manage. From now I only post at the new one.
You well expressed the wonder, and regret that this last launch brings me also.
Aloha from Honolulu,
Comfort Spiral
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Great that you highlighted this... and great sketch too!
End of an era....
Maalie; I'm glad that the research will continue, but the Space Shuttle has been a much enjoyed, large part of my life. I will miss them.
Charles; Thanks, hon. Yes, exploration will continue, but I'm sad to think we're done visiting the Int'l Space Station...at least for a while.
Kelly; Your friend was right--you'd never forget a shuttle launch. I still highly recommend a visit to Kennedy Space Center, where you can go into a life-size mock up of a shuttle, stand beneath one of the engines, etc., etc. They even have a fully assembled Apollo rocket (30 stories tall) inside one of the exhibit buildings, not to mention the Rocket Garden, the art gallery, the IMAX films...You really should go.
I know we'll get to Mars someday, but I doubt it will be in my lifetime.
NatureFootstep; I have enjoyed the history of the Shuttle and I'm sorry to see them go. Thanks for the info on your new blog. I hear you on manageability!
Cloudia; Thanks, hon. We'll miss them together.
Michelle (artscapes); Thanks. :) It's sad to see the end of U.S. manned space flight, but on the other hand, I appreciate having lived for its duration!
I think our sense of wonder and adventure is gone. Buried un the weight of current problems. It's no a good omen for the future.
i like your painting very much! i like the use of contrast and find this piece to be very dynamic!
I'm sad to see the discontinuation of manned space flight. Perhaps by the time I come back for my next life, we'll have made it to Mars, or maybe even out of our solar system.
To be honest, I have very mixed emotions about the Shuttle program and manned space flight in general, but I will join you in hoping for a safe and successful final Discovery flight.
Beautiful painting! I'm a bit melancholy about the last shuttle flight, too. I never got to see one and this year we'd planned to go down to see one. We're still going to the Kennedy Center, but it won't be the same. It's definitely the end of an era.
Hi Lana, I haven't seen a takeoff but have seen it flying over for a landing at NASA in Houston.
--Great painting!! =)
That is way cool, the homage -- both text and painting!
Manned flights will continue, and Americans will be included. China, Russia, India, the European Space Agency and God knows who else will continue manned missions -- no question. However, Star Trek may better be called 简体中文版 commanded by 上尉教会 ! :->
troutbirder; Agreed, unfortunately.
nina; Thanks, hon. :) I'm glad you like it.
Travis C.; That's a good thing to think. :)
Marvin; Fair enough. ;)
JaneneMurphy; Thanks for your kind comment on my painting. Seeing a shuttle launch was really something else, but I'm sure you'll really love KSC, too. Every time I go to Florida I take a day to spend there. My hubby & I even got our picture taken with an astronaut once. It's a great place.
jay.me; Seeing the shuttle flying over must've been pretty cool in its own right. ;) Glad you like my painting!
Erik; Glad you enjoyed the post. I know manned space flight will continue, but the Shuttle's been a part of my life for most of my life, y'know? Not to mention that you're totally right about Star Trek. <:\
I never did see a live launch but I was watching live TV coverage of the Challenger launch when it exploded. That was a sad day. I feel the same way about the Space Shuttle Program. I am sad to see it go. I suppose there are some consolations. On NPR they said something one time about designing a new fleet of more reliable space shuttles, but I don't know if funding continues or not. Also, probably we will see lots of private manned space flights. On the other hand, I wouldn't rule out that in our lifetime we discover something unexpected that we don't currently comprehend about E=MC2 that may make petroleum, overcoming friction, gravity and any number of other physical "laws" obsolete and thereby enable us to travel around the universe. This kind of discovery will probably only come about with a change in consciousness, which we do need as well, if we are to survive here on this planet.
Ooops, I also meant to say that I love your painting. It shows very well the majesty, power and spectacle of the shuttle launch.
I would love to have personally witnessed a launch Lana..maybe someday in the future they will once again go backed to manned flights.
Your painting is amazing as well I think the word powerful really describes best for me as well !!
Beautiful painting and coming towards the end of the Shuttle programme is sad. I remember going to see the Enterprise prototype and watching the first launch of Columbia on a childrens' TV programme (Newsround, for UK readers) so it's weird to think that I've lived through this era.
NASA's plans for future exploration blow this way and that every time there's a change of government. Chips are down right now but personally I hope exploration resumes some time soon.
Wonderful painting, Lana! I love the colors on the underside of the clouds. Kind of like the dreams that have helped to launch the program over the years. I am also one of those that has seen the space program from start to where it is now in my lifetime. It has always symbolized the power of mankind's dreams for me. Sad to see this phase coming to an end.
Nice painting Lana.I'll miss the space shuttle too. it has a lot of memories attached to it-some wonderful-some sad. We can look forward to the future when I'm sure we'll be witness to something even more awesome.
Hi Lana,
Beautiful painting of the sad farewell of the space shuttle. Congrats on the recent awards!
David Leland Hyde; I was watching live when Challenger exploded, as well. It was a very sad day, indeed. I agree with you about scientific discovery and possible manned space flights of the future. We've come a long way, for sure! Glad you like my painting. :)
bernie kasper; Thanks for the kind comment on the painting. As for the shuttle launch, it's truly unforgettable. I'm sure other launches (satellites, etc.,) are probably cool to see, as well. Regardless, I always recommend a day at Kennedy Space Center. So much to do, see & touch (like a piece of Mars, among other things.)
Sci-Fi Gene; My thoughts, exactly--it's weird to know that we've lived though this era. We've been fortunate to experience it! I imagine some private firms will pick up the slack, but I can only imagine what the insurance bill are going to be like. Glad you enjoyed my painting. :)
PhotoDiction; Thanks, hon. :) Funny how we take things like the Space Shuttle for granted. I never thought I'd see this day (but at least I made sure to fit a live launch in in my lifetime.)
Larry; Yes, let's look to the wonders that the future holds. That's a great thought. :) Glad you like my painting!
Michelle's Spell; Thanks for the kind comments (& the cheesecake, again!)
You must have added the painting after I commented last - 'cause - OMG!!! It is amazing!!! :-)
Michelle; Yes, it was after. Glad you like it! :)
Wonderful painting Lana, it is incredible. It is always nice to see what inspires people too :-)
Chrissy; Thanks. I've been kicking the idea around for a while & was glad to get it out. :)
If you ever do reviews on your Blog you could consider my new eBook?
www.spaceshuttlealamanc.com, I would appreciate your opinion?
A comprehensive overview of 40 years of space shuttle development and operations.
Space Shuttle Almanac; Unfortunately I'm a bit pressed for time right now. I'll keep it in mind if I free up some time, though! I'd also have to see the product...The URL provided seems to just be a pitch for the eBook, which looks interesting, but I couldn't base a review on it. Regardless, I'll have to get back to you in the future.
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