There was a successful launch of the space shuttle at 7:55 pm EST tonight. It was quite a sight even from Port St. Lucie as the "fireball" was clearly visible for several minutes.

Hard to believe that the launch site was some 100 miles away! Must have been spectacular up close and personal.

There was considerable conversation between the launch control personnel regarding a hatch that apparently wasn't latched. The conversation essentially said "don't worry about it.... we don't expect excessive damage or vibration.... we'll just alert the crew and we'll be clear for launch"

In any event, it was quite a sight from here

Wonder what that probably-now-missing-hatch was worth ??