The Parking Lot…

The Parking Lot For Space Shuttles

Space exploration is full of trials and errors. The victory is sweeter when errors are concurred and we can celebrate the happy ending.

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At the speed 17,000 miles per hour,

And temperature greater than 1,260˚C degree,

The line between life and death

Is only two and a half inches thick.

First was “Columbia”;

Later, it became NASA’s sad routine.

Coming home many times

Shuttles landed in Eduard’s Base,

An emergency parking lot

For vehicles coming from Space.

Often, in official reports it was written:

“dynamic weather conditions”. 

Who said that scientists are not superstitious?

They always cross fingers beneath the desks

And silently pray to have

A lucky and glorious day. 

But in this very morning, over California Desert

The sonic boom marked the start

Of impossible landing attempt 

with 15 broken tiles.

They supposed to shield

From the friction’s heat,

But there was no way all to be fixed.

Waiting and breathless. 

Yes! Sonic boom!

Cutting through thin clouds

The shuttle glided like a gigantic kite

Over runway of three miles.

Then, approaching straight,

Gear down, parachutes out! 

“Welcome back!” you can hear the mic.

Yes, welcome home

After such spectacular ride!

By Petrouchka Alexieva

From: United States