Day 12 -- The Last

Today, er...yesterday (since this post is coming to you after midnight) was my last shift of the STS-120/10A mission. The orbiter won't undock from the ISS for another few hours...after that, the Station's involvment in the mated mission will be complete. The orbiter team still has another few days before they are complete. Discovery is planning to land on Wednesday.

Just a few minutes into our last shift, the entire station and shuttle flight control teams went out side to watch the mated shuttle/station fly over. it was a pretty amazing view. With the new "old" set of solar arrays unfurled, the station is quite bright. So next time you see a bright light screaming across the sky, it might be the ISS.

The shift was rather uneventful...but that's okay by me. Nearing the end of the shift was the crew farewell, it's the short period of time where one crew says goodbye to the other. Some tears were shed, many hugs were given, and many laughs shared. It was time to seal off the two vehicles from each other.

I just got home from a small celebration in the Saturn V building. That huge friggin' rocket was the perfect backdrop for a little chatting here and there. Not everyone could be there, but it was a good time. Perhaps you'll make the next one?
And with that, I've been up since 3am. So, i'm going to bed. And it very much feels like a weekend to me...so, i need to reset my internal clock...goodnight all...