Day 20 - JFK Space Center, shuttle launch, Daytona Beach

Today, we decided to make another try at the space shuttle launch at John F. Kennedy Space Center, visitor complex this time. At least we had something to see while waiting for the launch result. Even though the odds were against us with 60% for "no go" we took the tour and hoped for lift off. The tour was interesting, and the feeling of being right where so much history has been written was very special. Amongst what we got to see was the actual Saturn/Apollo mission control room, where amongst others, Apollo 11 (the very first moonlanding mission) was administered from. We also got to see "the clean room" for the international space station, the actual place where parts and modules for the ISS is checked and tested before being sent into space. So, waiting in the "rocket garden" for the launch, the weather still was a concern. We saw on a big screen the astronauts going into the shuttle, getting ready with all procedures needed upon launch. With a second day to see and hear all the work put into launch preparations made me realize that someone else but us (thousands of spectators) really wanted a takeoff today too. The astronauts sits strapped in for two hours before every launch attempt. A few clouds was lurking around, and some of them brought us some rain but passed quickly. With 30 min to go until 10 min countdown a huge weather system built up to the south of us slowly crawling towards us. Then, as yesterday, a "red" (means no lift off. All stations must be ready before launch can begin) came from weather center. Right after that, a "red" from field mill (station measuring electricity in the air) concluded today´s launch attempt with a "no go" from mission control. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ANTICLIMAX! Well, well, maybe next time we are in the area around launch day. (Ha ha ha, sigh) In another life maybe. With difficult to hide our disappointment, we drove straight to Daytona Beach. After a short hour drive, we went to Longhorn Steakhouse in Daytona and got the trip's best dinner. A small comfort. Now we will sleep for a day after getting two days, with almost 11 hours of waiting for nothing.

Peace out!

// Lars