posted 05-21-2011 10:48 AM               

I've written before about the challenges of being addicted to rocket launches but the people who have it worse, far worse, are those who love us. It's not just shuttle addicts this applies to, either.

For example, astronomers (amateur or pro) come with a lot of baggage, including the need to stay up all night or close to it, planning around events like meteor showers, and either spending insane amounts of money on gear or making far less than they should if professional.

However, since the last shuttle launch is rapidly approaching, I am going to focus on the non-space-worker launch freaks here or else I could wind up writing a whole book...

posted 05-22-2011 03:26 PM               

I've been a lifelong space geek, with my passion ebbing at some points against the power of the other passions (and necessities) that come with growing up.

I've seen the Shuttle land five times, but I've never experienced a launch in person. It's mostly my own fault (not like I haven't had 100+ chances), but it was always something or other keeping me away and what's done is done.

Since the planned launch date for STS-135 was announced as July 8, I've spent the last couple of days contemplating, as I suspect a LOT of people are, the idea of doing whatever I have to do short of breaking laws or performing horrific favors to be there.

I've never seriously thought about the logistics or economics of making the trip to see a launch (I'm in Denver), and given that this is the last one, whatever numbers I might have had in mind are probably out the window anyway.

I don't have a wife or kids to contend with, and I'll have two weeks' paid vacation. Other than that, I can't afford much on my own. I'm going to broach the idea to my parents in the next few days, ask for their help, and hope they understand. I think they might.