The first launch in 2 1/2 years and...

[tenguzero]

let's hope it's the first of many successful ones. I'm hoping this alleged "new environment" at NASA is far more productive than the convoluted beast the agency had slowly been transforming into over the last couple decades. It seems the lesson's been learned that safety and success requires complete cooperation, from the suits to the lab coats and everyone in between. It's nice to see the public as focused as they have been on this new mission -- if only focus had been this concentrated on the previous manned launches up to Columbia, there may have been more scrutiny on the part of more parties, and perhaps things may not have grown as lax as they did.

At any rate, I'm glad to see the space program back on track, as it's vital to not just the U.S. (the forefront in the arena of progressive science that it is) but to the global community as well (space and what lies out there is far bigger than any homespun conflict.)

Coincidentally, his policy with the space program is one thing I actually applaud Bush on (particularly his initiatives for shuttle fleet retirement and future Mars exploration -- both critical factors if the serious exploration of space is to continue.) The only question I have though: Why, in all the rooms of the WHITE HOUSE, does he choose to watch the shuttle launch sitting at a table in front of a 13-inch TV? I mean damn, surely there's a Plasma and surround sound setup floating around that place SOMEWHERE. Or at least a chair that reclines!

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/image...ature_374.html

[Rally Sport]

Because he's a playa like that, thats why he can watch it on that small tv. I remember hearing that they hit a bird on their way up, thats funny.

[YogsVR4]

I wish they would retire the shuttle and work on getting back to the moon and then on to Mars. Flying around a hundred miles seems pretty weak after shipping people a quarter million miles to the moon.

I am glad that it was a succesful launch and hopefully a safe return, but the program should be eliminated.