What an incredible site it was to watch the touchdown of the final space shuttle Atlantis early this morning. Thirty years of remarkable journey came to an end when the wheels of Atlantis stopped for the final time in Kennedy Space Center.To be launched as a rocket and to land like an aircraft was just words of early science fiction writers. It was myth that was once thought to be impossible to accomplish. But one day, there it was taking its first step towards the sky as the mission controller's voice echoed 'two, one, zero..'. The words which never failed to inspire me. A sense of pride sweeps across every part of my body every time I watch its lift off. There is no feeling greater than watching it roll in style 180 degrees in mid air after clearing the tower embarking its thunderous journey to the stars. I smile every time when the boosters separate the shuttle external tank. And few seconds after that mission commander voices "Houston, we have successful MECO" (Main Engine Cut Off) which says the shuttle has entered its preliminary orbit. A roar of applause will fill the room at the Mission Control Centre and also in my heart. Reentry of the space shuttle is always a great treat for both my eyes and ears. A sense of happiness and victory envelops me every time I hear the two sonic booms produced by shuttle acknowledging its arrival near the landing site, more kind of a victory roar from its remarkable work in space. I feel blessed everytime I watch this exceptional piece of beauty land with its mighty wings and its tremendous valour carrying the pride of thousands of people who worked for what it is now. My heart weeps knowing the fact that I could not see such a beauty of science any where in the near future. There is no such thing that could replace this magnificent space vehicle. For what it has done to the world and for it has done to the people, Space shuttle and its entire fleet will be a pinnacle of human achievements in earth as well in space.
It is no doubt that Space shuttle is a remarkable feat of engineering excellence and an icon of space exploration. It has inspired me each and every day. It gave me a dream, it gave me the passion. It showed me what humans are capable of doing. It gives me an immense honor to have lived in the time of The Space shuttle and watch it perform milestones in space. Space shuttle is only one thing in this world that my hand salutes other than my National Flag.
Farewell Challenger
Farewell Columbia
Farewell Discovery
Farewell Endeavor
And
Farewell Atlantis
Thank you so much for what you have done to this world and to its people and especially for what you have done to me. You have inspired me more than you could imagine. I salut you.
