Watching the launch of NASA’s Space Shuttle Atlantis this morning almost brought tears to my eyes. I cheered as the jets fired up and the shuttle, untethered from its moorings was propelled into space. I thought of the ingenuity, courage and vision it took to develop the program and maintain it for thirty years. And I was thankful.

As Atlantis blasted into space at speeds of up to 19,000 miles per hour, I recalled the first walk on the moon that Astronaut Neil Armstrong described as “a small step for man, a giant step for mankind.”

I recalled the time back in June, 1983, when I saw the Enterprise, the first Space Shuttle Orbiter, after it landed at Uplands Airport in Ottawa. It was exciting to see Enterprise up close.

I’ve watched many launches over the years and I remember exactly where I was on that January morning when the Challenger exploded.

Unfortunately, it’s only when accidents happen that we stop to think of the amount of work and skill each launch takes and the inherent danger that exists in space exploration. Even through these tragedies and the unfortunate loss of lives, NASA’s scientists and engineers were gaining the experience necessary to make the program the success that it’s been.

I stopped watching after that. So, today, as I watched, I said a small prayer of thanks when Atlantis took off safely.

Several years ago, I saw the Aurora 7, one of the earlier shuttles, at the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. I was shocked at how small it is inside. So small, I wondered how comfortable the astronauts were when they were riding in it.

When I think if it now, I feel badly for every time I’ve complained about the seat space on airlines.

But even with the size, I would have given a vital body part to be able to see the Earth from so high up. It would have been the ultimate travel experience. I hope that day will come during my lifetime.

It might seem as if the shuttle program has been of little benefits to us. On the contrary, space technology has been used in among other things, medicines and biotechnology to improve our health, and in communications.

I don’t understand why the program as we know it today is being shelved but I look forward to whatever new door opens us and hope that it’ll bring more of us closer to going into space.

So goodbye, Atlantis. I wish you a safe return to home base.