Any space fans here? Remaining space launches...

[klam_chowder]

I heard there were only 3 left but when I checked out the NASA site, it listed these:

Date: April 5 +
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Time: 6:21 a.m. EDT
Description: Space shuttle Discovery will carry a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with science racks that will be transferred to laboratories of the International Space Station.

Date: May 14 +
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Time: 2:28 p.m. EDT
Description: Space shuttle Atlantis mission will carry an integrated cargo carrier to deliver maintenance and assembly hardware, including spare parts for space station systems. In addition, the second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, a Mini Research Module, will be permanently attached to the bottom port of the Zarya module.

Date: July 29 +
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Time: 7:51 a.m. EDT
STS-134 Description: Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) and an Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the International Space Station.

Date: Sept. 16 +
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Time: 11:57 a.m. EDT
STS-133 Description: Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4), a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MLPM) and critical spare components to the International Space Station.

As well, there are some listed for 2011.

DH loves space and we're thinking of taking a spontaneous trip to see one of the last launches since we happened into a 4-nite stay at Cocoa Beach. We were at the KSC in December so will probably just watch it from the area.

We're flexible on dates. Any suggestions on which one to see? Is there a time of day that's more likely to actually take off?

Any input much appreciated!

cheers,

 

[sorcerormickey]

Let me just say this - I have sat and waited patiently for the Shuttle countdowns so I can run into my front yard and watch....they RARELY take off on time or even on the date they are scheduled.

With that being said, the best launches to see are the night ones, but all of them are very cool to watch.

 

[sorcerormickey]

Oh, and I have found that morning and night launches are more likely to go on/near scheduled times. The afternoon ones are usually delayed/scrubbed due to high winds/storms.

If you have a 4 day window, I would schedule it so the launch is on your first or second day, that way if it is delayed a day or 2, you have some wiggle room with your time.

 

[ElliePeters]

Thanks for the info!

 

[simba928]

Let me just say this - I have sat and waited patiently for the Shuttle countdowns so I can run into my front yard and watch....they RARELY take off on time or even on the date they are scheduled.

With that being said, the best launches to see are the night ones, but all of them are very cool to watch.

I have only seen one shuttle launch. It was the last Columbia launch and one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The only reason we saw it was because it was delayed months. We had no idea a shuttle was launching until we got to our hotel in Cocoa Beach. How did we find out you ask? We pulled into the parking lot, were asked to step out of the car so that a dog could search it, pulled further into the parking lot, and saw counter-snipers on the roof, over a dozen police cars parked in front of the building, and mounted officers on the beach. We were in the hotel that all the Israelli dignitaries were staying at to watch the launch. Ilan Ramon was going to be on the shuttle as the first Israelli in space. We were even at the pool one day before the launch and Ilan's wife and young daughter were swimming. It would definitely be something to see if you get the opportunity, but I would not get my hopes up in watching it. The launches seem very scheduled and organized, but they really are unpredictable in the exact day and time they will lift off. I really hope you get to see one, though. I would love to see another one.

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

We purchased causeway tickets off ebay for the April launch. I really hope it goes off as planned!

 

[Shmily1]

I never cared anything about space or science in general but wanted to take DS(now 20) to KSC because he loves that kind of stuff. Was I ever surprised!! I was the one that didn't want to leave!! I loved the tour the most. It was awesome! I keep wanting to go back but haven't gotten the family to humor me yet.

 

[stsomewhere]

We go to see a night launch from our cruise ship last year. It was a neat experience.

 

[klam_chowder]

Thx a mint all for the great replies everyone - appreciate the tips & enthusiasm. I'll definitely look into lining this up

cheers,

 

[cjlvsccm]

Definitely GO if you have the chance!! We went down for our first launch last Nov, and it was AWESOME! The date had been rescheduled, but it went up right on time without a hitch. That seems to be an unusual case, as more often there are delays.

My Dad is retired from a NASA contractor, and I grew up loving all of our country's true-life space adventures. We all had a fabulous time and were so glad to get the opportunity to see it.

 

[LindaG4458]

We are fortunate to be able to see the launches from our yard in Vero Beach when we are in Florida. We can watch the news on TV, see the liftoff, then step into the yard and see the vehicle go by. The night launches are the best!