Susan Poulton
Launch Morning
Posted by Susan Poulton on November 14, 2008 I’m on my way to Orlando, Florida for the launch of STS-126. If you’ve been wondering what “STS” stands for in shuttle flight names, it’s pretty simple—Space Transportation System. No fluff for those NASA folks! I’ve been asked many times why I try and attend every shuttle launch. Once you’ve seen one, haven’t you seen…
Launch Events and Good News
Posted by Susan Poulton on November 13, 2008 NASA has increased the chances for favorable weather to 70% on Friday, which is great news! It will make my 5am EST drive to the airport much less stressful. The first big event in the launch cycle is the movement of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) back from the launch pad at 11:30pm EST tonight.…
Go for Launch!
Posted by Susan Poulton on November 12, 2008 I’ve decided to take the leap and have booked a ticket for Friday. The weather reports are still at a 60% chance for launch, but are looking more promising than they were yesterday. I’ll fly down in the morning and will be at the press center by 11am EST, in time for the crew walk…
The Waiting Game
Posted by Susan Poulton on November 12, 2008 Now the real fun begins for planning to attend a shuttle launch, “to go or not to go.” I once calculated that in the seven shuttle launches I have seen, I have been to about 15 attempts. Weather, technical problems, weather, technical problems, weather—I’ve experienced the disappointment of all kinds of delays. It’s just part…
Countdown to Shuttle Launch
Posted by Susan Poulton on November 10, 2008 On the 225-foot level of Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew poses for a group photo. —Image courtesy NASA What an exciting week! This is Susan Poulton sitting in for Victoria Jaggard who is hopefully loving every minute of her trip to Egypt. I’m very excited to be…
