Another No-Go For STS-127

Today looked worse than yesterday, weather-wise. The forecast was also worse. And NASA's probability of launch was worse. Yet, we found ourselves packing sandwiches and driving north once again for the chance to see one of the few remaining shuttle launches. If you missed my last post, here's the statistics for STS-127, prior to today's attempted launch:

June 13: Hydrogen leak

June 17: Hydrogen leak

July 11: Delayed 24 hours to check for lightning damage

July 12: Delayed 24 hours due to weather

This time, we decided to go to Cape Canaveral rather than Titusville. We figured we could play at the beach and still have fun, even if the launch was scrubbed. Half way there, the sky began to look menacing. We exited I-95 and headed for Melbourne Beach. I was in search of a Wi-Fi internet connection to check the latest status from NASA. As we crossed the causeway, the visibility north and south of the bridge dropped to about 1/4 mile in heavy rain, yet the sky ahead was clear. A few minutes later, the storm caught us and we found ourselves in the heaviest downpour I've experienced first hand since arriving in Florida. And it wasn't just the quicky type, either - it went on and on.

We were unable to find an adequate Wi-Fi signal, so we called Aunt Cathy for an update. She said that NASA was discussing the weather. A minute later, she told me that they decided to "go". We decided to continue north along the coast and ended up at our favorite little park in Cape Canaveral.

Andrew and Susan changed clothes and headed for the surf while I set up my camera. Two guys walking by informed me that I was aiming in the wrong direction, but I didn't believe them. I could clearly see what appeared to be the assembly building off to the northeast. Looking at Google Maps now, I can clearly see that they were right and I was wrong. Good thing the launch ended up getting scrubbed, 'cause I would surely have missed it while adjusting my aim and focus. Oops, I got ahead of myself there.

At the T-9 minute hold, Aunt Cathy called and informed me that the launch was scrubbed. I started tearing down my camera gear and people around me started asking me if I'd heard something. I told them the news and before long, the entire beach was nearly deserted.

The weather at launch time, looking north

The latest news has the launch scheduled for Wedesday (July 15) at 6:03PM. I don't know if we'll drive up again. I imagine we will, just because it is so close (relatively speaking). I guess it will depend on Susan's schedule.