May 1973. ; I was nearing the end of my junior year in high school. ; One of my main hobbies (besides photography) was flying model rockets. ; When the guys in the Indianapolis Model Rocket Association heard that NASA was going to launch two rockets in as many days, including the last Saturn V ever, we immediately made plans to attend. We wrote to our US Senator to get a viewing pass (this was before you could buy launch viewing tickets at the visitor center) and told our teachers we were going to miss a few days of school. ; On a Friday evening, my father, two friends and I left for the 16-hour overnight drive from Indy to Orlando to meet another group who drove down separately. Saturday afternoon, we headed to KSC to take the tour. ; At that time, there was one tour that visited the old launch sites at CCAFB, pads 39A and 39B and finished with a visit inside the VAB. When we got to the pad with the Skylab itself, they let us off the bus for photos. ; Today, you don't get anywhere near this close.
Re: Skylab - 26 years ago today Great shots, and I am sorry to hear that the last one is starting to show signs of age, but at least now you have a digital copy of it. ; What a great adventure that must have been, and it is a glimpse into the future of our next generation of space flight, as we are returning to a Saturn V style rocket once again. ; I will miss the shuttle, and wish that they could have come up with a cool alternative, but I guess as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Re: Skylab - 26 years ago today Great pics & story. Thanks for sharing that with us. I am sure it was an adventure you will never forget.
Re: Skylab - 26 years ago today Thanks, everyone. ; It was something I'll never forget, especially the feeling of my whole body shaking from the sound of the launch. I need to scan all of the photos from the trip. ; I'm amazed at how much detail was recovered from the launch shot.
