Another Night-time Shuttle Launch!

For those of you who aren't aware that you can even SEE shuttle launches from here in Gainesville, you're gonna get ONE more chance to see another night launch...

I mention this because we were previously told that there would be no more "night launches" for the space shuttle. However, due to some problems that had to be looked at with STS-131, the next shuttle flight, it had been delayed a bit. So now it's scheduled to fly early in the morning on April 5th. Sunrise should be about 7:12a. The shuttle is set to go up some 50 minutes before that, which should be pretty dark. So those of you wanting ONE MORE CHANCE for a "night launch" photo or video opportunity might want to set your clocks to get up early for this.

What's a night-time launch LOOK like from here in Gainesville? Well, see here: http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/shuttle .

If you HAVEN'T seen a shuttle launch from here, yet, NOW is the time. There are only a FEW more flights left before the shuttle program is ended entirely. After that, the future of the manned space program is unsure.

They're well worth setting aside the time to view. ...And since these are the last few launches left, you should definitely get out there to witness a part of history soon to disappear.

-Todd

From the 'Space Shuttle' Facebook page:

"NASA managers gave space shuttle Discovery the "go" for an April 5 launch date for the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. After an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting, there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.

Discovery is set to liftoff into the predawn darkness from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A at 6:21 a.m. EDT."