posted 04-03-2026 08:05 AM            

I was lucky enough to see live launches of both the launch of Apollo 17 and the first Shuttle. In each case I found most excitement in the countdown, rather than the launch itself (perhaps because of the distances between the pad and the viewing audience).

posted 04-03-2026 08:17 AM               

I like seeing the close-ups and multiple angles TV offers. And yes, countdowns are exciting when you can see the clock ticking down. And the NASA and news commentary adds context to some views that might need explanation to an arm-chair fan like me.

But having seen two launches with my own eyes, I have to say I prefer it that way. I saw STS-135 from Titusville and this past Wednesday I was privileged to watch Artemis II launch on-base near the KSC Industrial Area (my son-in-law is an SLS engineer) and they were experiences I will never forget.

Even HDTV can't translate how brilliant the flame is compared to seeing it with my own eyes. It can be felt on the retina. And being in the open with a dome view of the almost infinite sky with a full view of the contrail, the trajectory, feel of nature around you — it is a true senso-round experience.

To me, it's sort of like watching a ball game on TV vs. attending one. I cheered in the open air with the crowd. I rubbed shoulders with engineers and rocket scientists. I stood on a historic site with my grandchildren and watched my kids who poured their sweat and tears into the SLS project give each other a well deserved hug.