Space: The Insignificant Frontier?

So, the shuttle is launching in 3 minutes. Did you know? Do people actually care anymore? There are people strapped to a giant engine, about to head out into space, and the only way to watch it is to see it on the web....

Now, is it just me, or is this "giant leap" treated as an everyday mediocre event?

When I was a kid, I remember Challenger exploding, because I was sitting and watching the TV with the live launch, along with who-knows how many other people. Space missions were televised, and people watched such events. But it just seems like no one cares anymore.

Good luck to the chaps on board.

(PS, I am talking from a British point-of-view here. Is it televised for the chaps in the US?)

Edit: 19.48 BST - All up and away fine it would seem.