Is life earth-like?

Ockels

pp. 229-231

in: Jean Schneider, Monique Léger-Orine (eds), Frontiers and space conquest / frontières et conquête spatiale, Berlin, Springer, 1988

Abstract

"T-36 seconds in counting, automatic sequence start". The Schuttle computers have taken over the countdown. I was sitting already over one and a half hour in the seat, lying on my back because the Shuttle stands on its tail. "So close to launch". Two years in Houston for the basic astronaut training. Three years training and preparation as a back-up for the first Spacelab flight. Now, 30th October 1985, sitting in the Challenger. I hope so badly that nothing will come in between me and the flight, that nothing goes wrong.