Kennedy Space Center, 8/16/12

Allow me to divert from our trip report for a few moments to show y’all some photos from yet another in a long (too long) series of “lasts” that have been taking place here on the Space Coast over the past few years. On August 16th, two Orbiters came nose to nose for the last time. Endeavour was wheeled into the VAB to wait for her ride to her final resting place (Los Angeles) and Atlantis, which is staying here at the KSC Visitor Center, took her place in the OPF for final processing.

Just over a year ago, these kinds of photo ops would have drawn a few thousand workers away from their desks so that they could snap some pictures and just be near these insanely cool, and even more insanely complicated, vehicles. Now, as the local paper reported, there were only a few dozen people. I see this phenomenon every day as I drive around the base, easily finding parking in empty lots that used to be a real pain in the ass to drive to. I wish it was still a pain in the ass.

Sidenote: I was told the other day that it has been reported that 75% of the folks laid off have found work again either here or elsewhere in the country. That’s the good news. I also read about another ex-worker that committed suicide. That’s the bad.

Enjoy the pictures.

Kennedy Space Center, 8/16/12

Kennedy Space Center, 8/16/12

Kennedy Space Center, 8/16/12