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Ignition! Atlantis lifts away from the pad in a gush of steam and bight, bright light. It's silent in Titusville as everyone holds their breath.

Not quite the image I was aiming for, but the out of focus shuttle in the background seems to work well, with the sharp palm leaves in the foreground.

Titusville, Florida
June 2007

The shuttle well away now, the launch contrail drifts and twists in the light breezes.

Titusville, Florida
June 2007

The SRBs have burnt out and separated from Atlantis and the fuel tanks. Atlantis is still visible as a bright light in the east.

Titusville, Florida
June 2007

Not long after ignition and the shuttle is already well above the few high clouds.

Titusville, Florida
June 2007

The SRBs burn bright as the shuttle climbs high into the Florida sky.

Titusville, Florida
June 2007

Does anyone know of a good place to watch a shuttle launch?

It seems as though we have one of those rare chances, when we're in the right place at the right time...

We're currently staying in Orlando, fairly close to SR528 and have a rental car. I suspect we'll need to go to Titusville, but once we're there, where?

These sites seem helpful, but we'd appreciate any additional information.

Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis at Pad 39, being prepared for a launch less than a week away.

Cape Canaveral, Florida
June 2007