U.S. Sen. and American space hero John Glenn, 77, became the world's oldest astronaut Thursday when he left Earth with six crewmates on the space shuttle Discovery.

The entire student body at Edgewood Middle School assembled in the commons area to witness the historical event on NBC. The launch was broadcast via a video projector onto the stage wall. A small television was also placed midway in the room.

Kaitie Vanderpool, grade eight, said people were interested in the mission because, "John Glenn is, like, really old and everyone thinks it's pretty cool that he's up again."

Eighth grader Lynda Perales said, "He sets an example for elder people."

"Age doesn't really set a limit for you. Just because you get older, you shouldn't let that hold you back," Austin Arnett, grade eight, said.

Glenn was the first American in orbit in 1962 in a one-man Mercury capsule. He was on only the third U.S. manned mission in 1962 and returned to space Thursday on the nation's 123rd manned mission. The mission is set to last approximately nine days. His first mission lasted four hours and 55 minutes.

The launch was delayed Thursday about three times for minor incidents.

Leonard McCreery, grade eight, said, "I think they should check those things before the launch."

During his flight, Glenn will serve as a guinea pig in 10 experiments on aging. The experiments will measure the effects of weightlessness on the human body, which are similar to the changes suffered by the elderly on Earth. Discovery is scheduled to return to the space center Nov. 7.

"We're getting new supplies from space and are furthering research," McCreery said.

Perales agreed. She said, "We should explore what's up in space."

Glenn is a war veteran and flew 149 combat missions in World War II and the Korean War combined. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974 on his third try. He will retire in January after four terms. The students may not remember him for those accomplishments, but said they will remember him for Thursday's launch.

"I'll definitely remember (the launch) because it set a record for flight," Arnett said.

Perales said, "I'll remember because it's his last time going into space. I congratulate him. He accomplished his goals. It makes me want to achieve my goals."

The middle school has used the launch in their science and health classes. Principal Jerry Chabot said the classes will talk about the launch today.

For Chabot, the launch also had a special meaning. Chabot was in second grade when Glenn first launched into space in 1962.

"I grew up right around the Cape," Chabot said.

He said his science teacher took his class outside to watch Glenn's first launch into space. The important thing this year for Chabot was using the launch for educational purposes.

"In our class," Arnett said, "we've been talking about chemical reactions and how the tanks work."

McCreery said, "John Glenn has to be fit to go into space."

When the four students were asked if they would like to go into space if asked, they all agreed.

"Definitely, without a doubt," Arnett said.

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