An interesting week on space-related activities…
STS-123
The Space Shuttle STS-123 mission launched into its 16 day mission; and busy is the crew delivering pieces for the International Space Station (ISS). This is the the 25th shuttle mission to the ISS. It is pretty cool to see back to back missions. STS-123 launched at night, which is an spectacular sight (night becomes day for a minute or so):
The next two videos are from different point of views and distances of/from the launch. The cracking sound from the solid rocket boosters (and main engines) is one of the cool things to experience; but just imagine that loud sound but x10 passing through your body. The first video is just 2.5 miles away from the launch pad (must have been taken by a NASA employee to be that close). The second video is great, as you can listen the reaction of the people watching the launch.
Cassini in Saturn
The spacecraft continues its voyage of discovery in the outer planets. Cassini survives Enceladus very close flyby through icy water geyser-like jets.
Google Sky goes Browser
Google Sky is now available browser-based. Very cool. Read the announcement at the Google Lat Long blog.
ceo