[skewbone]

Rocket launches feel the same way. I got to see STS121 launch from the VIP area at Kennedy Space Center a couple of years back, and it felt like a continuous pressure wave pounding on my chest until the rocket was above the clouds. Crazy feeling.

[eterm]

> a couple of years back

Sure feels like it; don't dare look at a calendar.

[jsjohnst]

Exactly, the last shuttle launch (STS-135) was 11 years ago last July. I know as I was there. :)

STS-121 was 5 years before that. ;)

[jsjohnst]

> continuous pressure wave pounding on my chest until the rocket was above the clouds

You either have the worlds most sensitive chest or your memory of the experience is comparable to your memory of the date it occurred, a tad bit distorted. ;)

[skewbone]

Turns out it was STS120, launching the Harmony module on Oct. 23, 2007.

I was working at a facility where we tested gas turbines and spent a good amount of time studying combustion acoustics. The best way I could describe the feeling standing near the water for the shuttle launch was feeling a continuous combustion pressure hitting my chest. Pounding wasn't the best choice of words.

[goldenkey]

15 years ago is more than a couple of years back.