Another shuttle has taken a journey up into space, as 'Endeavour' makes its way up to the International Space Station. It seems odd to think that these space shuttle missions started all the way back in 1981 - I well remember seeing the first orbiter Columbia launch in April of that year (I was at school at the time) and then watching in amazement just a couple of days later when it returned to earth. Two tragedies have occured since that time (Challenger being destroyed on take-off on 28 January 1986, and then Columbia breaking up during its descent on 1 February 2003) - but there are still people willing to risk their lives to advance the human race's understanding of space and space exploration. Amazing stuff. Of course, you wouldn't get me up there - I get vertigo sometimes just looking up at tall buildings! I'm happy to stay on terra firma and just marvel at those who are brave enough to be astronauts on our behalf. Of course, if you have a spare US$200k kicking around (US$20k deposit), and you fancy a fresh perspective on our planet, just check out the Virgin Galactic website http://www.virgingalactic.com/ where bookings are now being taken for flights aboard the VSS Enterprise, due to start in 2009. Make sure you have a look at the preview video "Let the journey begin". It's out of this world!
Friday, 10 August 2007
A great endeavour
Another shuttle has taken a journey up into space, as 'Endeavour' makes its way up to the International Space Station. It seems odd to think that these space shuttle missions started all the way back in 1981 - I well remember seeing the first orbiter Columbia launch in April of that year (I was at school at the time) and then watching in amazement just a couple of days later when it returned to earth. Two tragedies have occured since that time (Challenger being destroyed on take-off on 28 January 1986, and then Columbia breaking up during its descent on 1 February 2003) - but there are still people willing to risk their lives to advance the human race's understanding of space and space exploration. Amazing stuff. Of course, you wouldn't get me up there - I get vertigo sometimes just looking up at tall buildings! I'm happy to stay on terra firma and just marvel at those who are brave enough to be astronauts on our behalf. Of course, if you have a spare US$200k kicking around (US$20k deposit), and you fancy a fresh perspective on our planet, just check out the Virgin Galactic website http://www.virgingalactic.com/ where bookings are now being taken for flights aboard the VSS Enterprise, due to start in 2009. Make sure you have a look at the preview video "Let the journey begin". It's out of this world!
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