Final Atlantis STS-135 Shuttle Launch

What an epic trip! We just returned from cashing in the last part of our prize in the Etsy/NASA Space Craft Contest - a trip down to Florida to see the final Space Shuttle launch in person. Both of us have been giant space nerds since near birth, but neither of us had ever made the pilgrimage to see a launch before. Seeing it all first hand was totally awe-inspiring - Seeing the massive scale of the rocket parts, hearing detailed descriptions of the precision engineering needed, to actually experiencing the power and sound of the shuttle when it launched. Completely mind blowing! But we were also struck by the human element - For decades, there have been so many passionate people involved in the shuttle program - everyone we talked to had nothing but great things to say about working for NASA, and were overflowing with pride over the part they played in making the shuttle a reality. It really made the moment of the launch seem like the greatest possible human achievement, and we're so happy to have gotten the chance to experience it.

Special thanks to Diane at NASA and Heather at Etsy for helping put our trip together!

More photos here.