Exclusive pics of the shuttle landing *no 56k*

[Mase]

From the landing this morning on base.It started off as an orange glow in the sky as it burned through the atmosphere. A couple minutes later, we heard the distinct entry sound; BOOM-BOOM. That was the sound of it breaking the sound barrier. We then saw it pass the line and pull a U over the next town. It then came back and landed. It didn't seem like it took any longer than 5 minutes. All astronauts are fine and were transferred to the decon trailer where they got to relax and debrief.*Sorry but I had to remove the pics.* A statement was released saying "unscrubbed" photos of the flight line are prohibited . Feel free to visit http://www.nasa.gov for approved photos though.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Cool pictures!

[Kari]

Wow, those are awesome pics...bet that was an awesome experience too.

[Mavrik]

I like how the guys are wearing flags on their faces Nice pics, must have been awsome to be there.

[Psychobroker]

Awesome pics Mase! You can thank the Cape for having some bad weather (t-storms) for the EAFB landing.

[Mase]

The shuttle was escorted to the landing by a F-15 fighter jet. On the ground, 7 blackhawk helicopters (1 for each astro) were standing by to transfer any of them to a medical center, if needed. Talk about VIP.

[jeffgtx]

if these were anything like your launch pics, they must have been 10000000000% better than what they have at scrubbed site... glad they came down safely. i always wondered why when its a glider, they land at night.