I've just witnessed the perfect launch of the STS-118 Space Shuttle Endeavour. Even on TV, a Shuttle launch is an emotional experience for me. I am reminded of the first Shuttle launch I saw in person, the STS-112 Atlantis launch.

It was October 7, 2002, and I had skipped class for the first time in my freshman year, with good reason! A couple friends and I were going to get as close to Kennedy Space Center as we could without having launch tickets or guest passes. We parked along the side of the highway with several other cars. One car had its radio on loudly, broadcasting launch commentary. Standing on water's edge, we watched the flame soar through the sky at 3:46 PM. The ascent was faster than I expected. I could just barely hear the rumbling roar of the engines in the distance.