I would have written this post earlier, but I was too worried I’d jinx my second shuttle launch attempt if I got cocky and started handing out advice and whatnot without ever actually having watched one lift off. Now that I’ve seen Endeavor safely into the sky, however, here goes. Because while seeing a shuttle launch wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t cheap, it was so amazing it brought tears to my eyes. I’m tearing up a little now just reminiscing about it. And to any aeronautics enthusiasts out there who are debating, I have to say, it was well worth the effort and expense. 100 percent. The experience is incredible, and now that I’ve seen a shuttle blast off into space, I can’t imagine passing up the chance while I had it.

So for anyone out there harboring the dream, you have one more shot with the space shuttle Atlantis (tentatively targeted for June 28 or possibly mid July) and I’ll give you the lowdown on what I found works and what doesn’t after the jump.