Universe Today
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To mark the occasion of the Shuttle's last Christmas, space shuttle worker Terry Sibile drafted a touching poem titled; "T'was the Shuttle's Last Christmas".
For your enjoyment Terry's poem is reprinted below; as it appeared at Florida Today. The poem initially was circulated via email at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and other NASA sites across the US.
According to
this article at Florida Today
, Terry is a member of the engineering team dealing with cranes, platforms and doors which abound at the space center.
Only 2 or 3 flights remain before the shuttle is retired – at the peak of its performance - probably around mid-2011. NASA is still evaluating whether the budget will support flying the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.
So it's unlikely the shuttles will see another Christmas. Sibile's poem thus marks another installment in the string of sad and bittersweet "lasts" for the shuttle program - "Our spirits were low … and soon we'd all go."
The Space Shuttle Launch team at KSC recently created tribute displays to honor the achievements of all 5 Space Shuttle Orbiters and all the NASA and contractor workers involved. See photo above. Sibile's poetry poignantly puts these displays into words.
'Twas the Shuttle's last Christmas by Terry Sibile
'Twas the Shuttle's last Christmas and our spirits were low, For the program was ending and soon we'd all go.
We'd processed the Shuttles with infinite care And followed each mission as if we were there.
We made every effort to achieve all our goals; We offered our talents, our hearts and our souls.
Our work was much more than a meager career; 'Twas an honor and privilege beyond all compare.
As this marvel of science was applauded worldwide, We looked on each Shuttle with unfettered pride:
Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and then Atlantis, Endeavour all ferried brave men
And women to realms past the confines of Earth, Uncovering knowledge of infinite worth.
We rejoiced with each mission's success, and we grieved For the losses too painful for us to conceive.
And over the years, something wondrous took place: We became kindred spirits, united by Space.
And so, as we part, I will bear a great loss. And hope in the future our paths again cross.
But until then, my friend, this wish I confide: Happy Christmas to all — we had a great ride!
Check out this 360 degree panoramic view from inside Firing Room 4 showing all five Shuttle tribute displays; recorded during my visit with Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Leinbach led the effort to create the tribute displays. Courtesy of Nasatech.net