So I got the opportunity to go back down to the airport this morning. They were bringing the Discovery to the Udvar-Hazy (Air and Space) center, but first they brought it nose-to-nose with the Enterprise, which is headed out of here.

As amazing as the landing was on Tuesday this was even better, and you'll see why in the photos. The shuttle astronauts were there, including those who tested the initial shuttles and first flew them in Space and I took the opportunity to speak with some of them and take pictures. John Glenn was there, but I didn't see him and I doubt I could have gone up to him anyway...

I was able to be on the back side of the Shuttles coming together, opposite the media. So the photos I have of the nose-to-nose are pretty exclusive, shot from the opposite direction that you'll see in the media

I'm going through the photos now, but I figured I'd throw some up to get a thread started. Enjoy, and there are many more to come!


EDIT: Oh yeah, check the TeamSpeed hat!














Where the media was corralled:

 

Joe Engle - Look him up on Wikipedia!











I love this view!!!

 

More to come...

 

Great stuff Steve. Seriously cool that you got to see part of (space) history up close! It's even more awesome that you want to share these exclusives with us.

Also, nice cap. Must spread rep.

 

This is awesome. I'm already looking forward to SH3

 

Fantastic stuff; what an opportunity to be able to do that!

 

I love all things NASA. Currently watching When We Left Earth on Netflix. All my projects or essays in elementary school had to do with rockets and space

appreciate you sharing this with us

 

Same here Raul. I used to draw pictures of the Shuttle endlessly when I was a kid. To be standing under and around it today, and with the men and women who flew in it was UNREAL!

 

Thanks for sharing your experience and these pictures!

 

+1

This is awesome stuff. Incredibly opportunity! Glad someone was able to be there, experience it, and document it.

Thanks for sharing.