Atlantis’ last launch

Growing up, space travel always fascinated me; the space shuttle was the highlight of my obsession. Earlier this year, hearing that the shuttle was to be retired affected me emotionally. Sure, I have seen shuttle launches many times on TV and in movies, but that didn't satisfy my want to go.

It was the morning of May 14 and I was up a 4 a.m. to get a good spot at the shuttle launch — excitement and adrenaline: the only things keeping me awake — 12 miles from the launch pad was prime real-estate for the experience.

As it got closer to launch time, anticipation started to build and reality started to set in. I was actually going to see something I had always wanted to witness. Listening to the launch coverage on the radio built up the suspense even more, making time go by slower.

Within about 30 minutes to launch, there was word of some type of problem that could hold up launch and my stomach sank. I thought, "I might not get to see Space Shuttle Atlantis embark on its final mission." I might not ever get to see a shuttle launch.

Depression started to sink in. I have missed three launches because of some type of problem in previous years; I was not going to miss this one.

Finally, it was announced that the ball bearing that they had found posed no threat to the shuttle. The countdown commenced and those final nine minutes of waiting seemed like hours. Then we were down to one minute and my adrenaline was flowing so much that I was shaking with excitement — camera in hand, ready to take photos.

When seven seconds hit, the main engines started and smoke began to engulf the launch pad. Then the clock hit zero and the booster rockets ignited; large amounts of smoke and steam filled the area. I fired away with my camera, snapping photos during this once in a lifetime event.

Then a few seconds after zero, I saw the shuttle peek above the fixed structure around the launch pad. I couldn't believe my eyes; I looked around my camera to verify this was happening in front of me — it was. My heart raced, both of my cameras blazed, and my eyes filled with tears.

The launch was beautiful. It is amazing what humanity can do when we put our minds to something extraordinary (lest we forget what our American tax dollars are used for).

Approximately one minute after launch, I heard a soft rumble gradually turning into a loud crackle that shook the air in my chest. Even though I stood about 12 miles from the launch, the sound was gargantuan. I couldn't imagine being an astronaut feeling this from within the shuttle.

After two minutes the rocket was a little dot of light in the sky. Through the big camera lens I could just make out the boosters separating. It was approximately 85 miles away when that took place, and I was still in shock that I could see this happening through my telephoto lens.

Minutes after launch, the tiny dot of light was almost nonexistent. I turned off my camera and sat down to reflect on the launch. I had nothing to say, I was speechless. Man's development and use of technology is beautiful; this was a sight I will never forget.

It's so hard to describe how the launch made me feel. In a way, it was like winning the lottery; I sat there without words, but excited to try to formulate a way to express the enlightenment that the shuttle launch brought me.

After getting back to my hotel and looking through the photos, the reality finally set in. One of man's greatest accomplishments was now soaring away into space.

Thirty years of science and exploration is now ending because of budget cuts. Sure, we will one day return to the dark vacuum of space, but will it still contain that impressive feeling that the shuttle brought me?

That day, before I left the viewing area, I thought, "Farewell Atlantis, and thank you for everything you have done for us here on earth."

It was amazing to watch a man-made machine begin its journey, out of our world and into another — something I can only dream of as an earthbound misfit.

The shuttle launch makes me reflect on how small we are within the vastness of the universe, and that there is something mysterious about what lies beyond our own existence.