Saturday, July 1, 2006

DISCOVERY Launch Scrubbed... Originally, I wasn't gonna post anything if the space shuttle didn't launch today, since the chances of it not getting off the ground because of bad weather was known since the July 1 launch date was first announced on June 17. But G*DDAMN, Florida sucks. Well okay, Florida's weather sucks...but I'm still pretty peeved. It's summer...and looking at the 10-day forecast for the "Sunshine" State online, it's all nothing but scattered thunderstorms till next weekend. Thunderstorms...during the summer. Florida blooows.

At least here in California, it's nice and sunny even if the long-awaited Big One (a giant earthquake, for those of you who don't live here in the Almighty Golden State) was to finally wreak havoc. If Discovery isn't able to launch by July 19, NASA will have to wait till the next launch window to open from August 28 to September 14...which is reserved for the next space station assembly flight (mission STS-115). God, I hate Florida. It blooows. Did you hear me, Floridians? You suck. Anvil clouds and lightning... You guys really suck.

The weather above Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, July 1st.
The weather above Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday,
July 1st.


UPDATE (July 3): So not only was Discovery's launch scrubbed for a second time yesterday due to bad weather, but it may not launch tomorrow because of a small crack found on the foam insulating a large pipe outside the external tank. Of course, if Discovery was able to have launched on July 1st or yesterday, the stress caused by the constant pumping and purging of the ice-cold rocket fuel into the tank wouldn't have taken place, and that crack wouldn't have formed. Thank you, Mother Nature. God, I hate you. Let's hear it for urban sprawl and pollution, bitch. I can't believe I just called the weather a bitch. Meh, oh well.

As you can see, I'm one of those people achin' to see the shuttle return to flight. Don't know why, I just do.

This footage was taken during the afternoon on Monday, July 3.  Is it just me but the weather looked pretty damn good for a launch?  Eh... Would've, could've, should've...
This footage was taken during the afternoon on Monday, July 3. Is it
just me but the weather looked pretty damn good for a launch? Eh...
Would've, could've, should've...


UPDATE #2 (July 3): It is 6:00 PM here in Southern California, and many news websites are stating that Discovery will be launched tomorrow as scheduled. YES!

The tower's Rotating Service Structure rolls away...revealing Discovery as it stands poised for launch as of 12:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) on July 4th.
The tower's Rotating Service Structure rolls away...revealing Discovery
as it stands poised for launch as of 12:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time)
on July 4th.


A flame shoots out from the launch pad's hydrogen tank as the gas is being burnt off during the filling of Discovery's orange external fuel tank, on the morning of July 4th.
A flame shoots out from the launch pad's hydrogen tank as the gas is
being burnt off during the filling of Discovery's orange external fuel
tank, on the morning of July 4th.

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