Against The Fall Of Night

There is something mystical in a night launch. Four years ago, I witnessed the last Shuttle night launch, standing on the banks of the Indian River with my father and my wife, seeing the spacecraft gleaming in the powerful spotlights and reflected in the dark waters. At night, you are even more aware of the awesome power - barely controlled - throwing tons of equipment and seven fragile souls into the stars.

A night launch is over quickly. A false dawn; rolling thunder; a pillar of fire; an arc of smoke and a brilliant light, and it is done. It is beautiful and magical, and beyond my powers of description.

Godspeed the crew of STS-116. They have a challenging mission ahead, but it's off to a great start.