Memory Lane: Space Program

The Space Program has always been on my mind as a great expansion in the SL United States Navy roles, the ultimate rating a Naval Aviator could achieve becoming an Astronaut. Of course that would involve a dedicated staff, military and civilian, a new location, and so on... So it is way back in the back burner, but this year we had a little taste of that particular "what if".

CPT. Mit Zoobe, Royal Navy (Ret.), came by with a mission and we were happy to oblige, by setting up a launch pad for a very special vessel, the Discovery. The space shuttle would lift off from Miramar into space, a unique event that deserves a place in this year's Memory Lane. This took place on February 1, 2017. Below some of the captured moments.

Click on the images to enlarge.

Astronaut Zoobe on deck.

Together with some friends, CPT. Zoobe inspects the pad set for him.

The launcher is placed with the Discovery on it.

The Discovery awaits at Miramar with Astronaut Mit Zoobe on board.

Captains Kron and Kühn watch the unexpected event from safe distance.

"... 3... 2... 1..."

"IGNITION!"

The still spacecraft roaring flames during the few seconds of the initial blast.

"Miramar, we have lift off." "Copy, Discovery. God speed."

The ground falls behind very fast with 7.8 million pounds of thrust!

[2017/02/01 17:24] Mit Zoobe (zoobe): Looking good so far.

3,000 miles per hour, close to the first separation.

"Stage one separation in 3... 2... 1..."

[2017/02/01 17:26] Mit Zoobe (zoobe): Booster separation at 980 mtrs.

Fueled by the stage two tank the three main engines push the envelope.

[2017/02/01 17:28] Mit Zoobe (zoobe): And still climbing...

The Discovery in orbital flight. A few orbits and...

Reentry: [2017/02/01 17:31] Mit Zoobe (zoobe): This is going to be a fun landing!

Well, the landing was offered as a sacrifice to the lag gods, but maybe someday Astronaut Zoobe will try again for the perfect mission score. Thank you, Mit, for a great page in Miramar's history. This one you got to sign yourself!

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

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