On July 8, 2011, StreamWerx had the privilege of being a part of history in the making when we were hired by NASA to film the final launch of the spaceship Atlantis - the last shuttle launch ever. Decker Campbell, our resident girl wonder cinematographer, flew three separate flights with the NASA helicopter flight crew. On the first 2 flights, a predawn flight at 5:30 and another at 7:30, Decker and the crew filmed while Atlantis was still on the launch pad, circling the ship from a mile away. Given the volatility of the rocket fuel, they were not allowed to get any closer for safety reasons. The third and final flight covered the entire Cape area where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to wish Atlantis and the Shuttle Program a fond and wistful farewell. This third flight concluded with the actual launch itself, a moment Decker said that she will never forget. " I could not hear the countdown on headset with the pilots as we circled with the Assembly Building in the forground waiting launch. I learned later that there had been a pause in the launch sequence. All I knew at the time was I needed the camera side of the helicopter facing the shuttle and we kept circling to stay in position. Our pilot, Mac reminded us that they were real people in that shuttle and this was a moment of concern... we paused to focus on their lives, and then the palpable power took over as Atlantis and crew launched into the air. I could not believe I was there let alone with a flight crew."

The NASA Chief of Flight Operations, Thomas Friers, said of Decker: " I can assure you that we will recommend you as our operator of choice if there is a future need for filming. We were very happy with the way things worked with you." During the flight, Co-Pilot Mark asked Decker, ”Are you always this happy?” Her reply? 

“Why yes, whenever I am up in the air!" 

Ah, how we all love that helicopter grin!

View the Tribute Video produced by NASA TV 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR