Re-Discovery

In this episode - Re-Discovery . . .

Dateline March 1989 - Surrounded by a city of motor homes that sprung up overnight in the middle of a normally wind-swept California desert, the question on everyone’s mind was, “How will we know when the space shuttle arrives?”

While searching for something to share this week, I was reminded of a significant event 54 years ago. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the Moon. This event reminded me of how much the space program had captivated me. As someone who enjoys reading science fiction, witnessing mankind's greatest achievement was not a fictional experience.

Edwards Air Force Base 1989

Twenty years later, Lori, my friend Bill Videto, and I embarked on a two-hour drive from Santa Monica, CA., to Edwards Air Force Base, hoping to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery touched down in California - weather permitting. Otherwise, the landing would be diverted to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Fortunately, luck was on our side - the high desert winds were calm, the skies were clear, and the early morning air was cool and crisp. Everyone waited with anticipation as the shuttle entered the Earth's atmosphere, and the sonic blast of "boom - boom" resonated through the air, signaling its arrival. "That's how you will know," we exclaimed with excitement!

At 6:35 a.m., March 18, 1989, the space shuttle Discovery returned from Mission STS-29, landing swiftly and quietly on Runway 22 at Edwards. We were captivated by the sight, with many rushing to take photos and others adjusting their telescopes for the best view. As we looked up with amazement, the shuttle glided impeccably towards the runway, flawlessly deploying its landing gear and parachute before touching down with a screech of its tires. The large crowd erupted in applause.

Science Center 2013

California Science Center 2013

Recently (10 years ago now), we saw another shuttle, the Endeavour. This time close up at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. It had been 8,856 days since we last saw a shuttle, and NASA's Space Shuttle Program had since been retired after over 30 years of space flight and more than 130 missions.

Four shuttles remain to educate and inspire future generations of explorers; Enterprise at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, Discovery at The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and Endeavour at the California Science Center, Los Angeles. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said, "These facilities we've chosen have a noteworthy legacy of preserving space artifacts and providing outstanding access to U.S. and international visitors.”

If you plan to visit the California Science Center, I recommend you arrive early. Tickets are now FREE, and you can see the orbital vehicle up close. During our visit, we had an opportunity to speak with a retired engineer who worked at Rockwell International during the construction of Endeavour (1987-1991).

One of my questions was this, “What are the windows made of?”

“Quartz,” he said.

Endeavor completed 25 missions into space, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope and the first mission to add a U.S.-built component to the International Space Station. These highlights, and much more, are available in the exhibit on a large-screen video with beautiful footage.

Twenty-four years later, a two-hour drive from Vista, with a broad smile, once again, Lori and I experienced the delight of re-discovery!

Updated 7/22/2023

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