Do you have 8 minutes?

It’s been a loong time since I posted here, but I came across something today that moved me so deeply I just had to say something about it.

Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. At that time I am sure everyone of us wondered briefly what was going on in those final few minutes before the shuttle broke up.

Via Metafilter, I came across a site where an enthusiast has compiled all the video available for the final 8 minutes of the disaster and synchronized the audio track of the conversation between Ground control and the shuttle crew. The entire video plays in realtime and can be found here ((Given that it’s been linked on MeFi, other sites are sure to pick it up and the server will be hammered. It was fast enough for me, YMMV))

Since it plays in realtime, it’s an incredible experience – you will be by turns terrified, saddened and amazed as you watch and hear this video. In your heart, you know what the ending will be, but it’s amazing to hear the calm tones of the shuttle commander and when the audio blanks out towards the end.. it’s one of the loneliest moments I have ever experienced.

Please go watch the video, and spare a thought for those astronauts and their families – Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Ilan Ramon, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark; R.I.P. May your spirit inspire generations to come.