Discover Shuttle Launch 11/01/2010

[Andrea464]

Date: Nov. 1 +
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:40 p.m. EDT
STS-133 Description: Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4), a MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and critical spare components to the International Space Station.

from: NASA's website (can't post link yet, not enough posts)

We'll be there then, and mapquest puts it at about a 30 minute drive, so we'll try and go!

Has anyone ever been to one? Where can we go to see it launch without paying to get in?

 

[dis-happy]

From WDW? Plan on a minimum of 60 minute drive. If you have your own car you can buy the SunPass Mini at Publix, register it online (allow 24 hrs. beforehand), and use it to pass through the toll booths on the route and save a lot of time, plus some money too.

Drive to Titusville, find a spot on the water, watch it launch, then run as quick as you can to get out of the area afterwards.

We usually get in position about 1-2 hrs prior to launch, but with this being the second to last launch, it might be a good idea to get there even earlier. If you want to go to one of the recommended parks or viewing spots in the area you'll have to get there early in the morning, as those fill up early. Personally, we're happy with our regular viewing spot that doesn't take all day.

Have fun! It's totally worth doing!!!

 

[nytimez]

The last few launches all have been crazy. You might have a very hard time if you get there 1-2 hours prior to launch.

 

[Tinkerkell007]

from: NASA's website (can't post link yet, not enough posts)

We'll be there then, and mapquest puts it at about a 30 minute drive, so we'll try and go!

Has anyone ever been to one? Where can we go to see it launch without paying to get in?

I've went to one before. I got tickets to the visitor complex. We went out and about the day before the launch in titusville and there were campers set up all around the water. I hear you can go to cocoa beach and watch and I hear there is a park. Just google and see what you can find. I'd expect it to be JAMMED and take a while to get out so be patient. That is one thing I did not think about when trying to leave after the launch to go get breakfast. Traffic was at a complete stop and it took up 30 min to get a very very short distance just to make a U-turn. I hear it can take 3 hours to get back to Orlando but I can't say if that's true or not.
Knowing all this and how crazy it's going to be I still want to go again because if you have a passion for it, it IS totally worth it. Hope this helps!

 

[newdrama12]

The last couple of launches that I have watched, I went to Jetty Park. It is across from KSC. Their all day parking pass in $10. Here is their link: http://www.portcanaveral.com/recreation/beaches.php

 

[dis-happy]

I've managed by getting there 1-2 hrs. beforehand for the last 10 or so launches, but agree that as it get closer to the end it will be more crowded. Will aim for 3 hrs. for this next launch, but I know exactly where I'm going.

Never takes us more than an hour to get back to Orlando but we try to leave asap. Kind of along the line of exiting MK after Wishes---don't stand there gawking, just get moving when it's over and you can no longer see the shuttle in the sky.

 

[doclegler]

Here's what I wrote in in response to a similar post a while back....

I know your not asking, but I just had to add my 2 cents regarding launches. We waited HOURS in November a few years ago on a cold lawn with hundreds of others at KSC and then they scrubbed the launch at 3 seconds!! Needless to say, I had MANY tears from some very sad boys....and the drive back to Orlando was a nightmare. The only route out was filled with traffic and we didn't get back to our hotel until 3am...definitely not well-rested for the next day at Disney!
So, just remember, it may not happen...a few nights later we were boarding the boat to leave MK and we watched the flaming ball disappear into the sky. Much better than wasting our day on a lawn!!
Good luck to you. I hope you have a perfect launch!

 

[safetymom]

Allow plenty of time to get to the coast if there is a launch. It usually takes us up about 1 hr. 15 mins to get there. To get home it would be double that. The last time it took us 5 hours to get home. Launches are getting more popular since there are only a few left. Be prepared for lots and lots of traffic!!!!

 

[nless_dream]

We were lucky enough to have gotten invitation from NASA to attend the launch. This will be our first time. Looks like we'll be about 3 miles from the launch pad in the VIP viewing area. Now, I hope that DW will be ok because she'll be about 4 months pregnant. Still gotta check with the doctor to see if thats ok.

 

[jeff968]

So, what can you see from these parks?? Do you bring a set of binoculars? Can you actually see the shuttle? I don't want to drive to CC and deal with that but the park option sounds reasonable.
Thanks

 

[dis-happy]

We park, walk to the edge of the Indian River, where we have an unobstructed view of the shuttle on the launch pad. Binoculars are certainly good for seeing more detail and are highly recommended. Lots and lots of other people are standing around and usually someone has a live broadcast of the NASA channel, so you can here the countdown. You can see the smoke and fire as it all starts up, then you can see the shuttle s-l-o-w-l-y start to lif off. Then up it goes into the sky with a trailing plume of fire and smoke. It's beautiful. You can see it to up and head out and north (depending on the amount of clouds). Everyone cheers when it goes up. Totally worth it IMO.

 

[nless_dream]

So, what can you see from these parks?? Do you bring a set of binoculars? Can you actually see the shuttle? I don't want to drive to CC and deal with that but the park option sounds reasonable.
Thanks

from watching youtube videos, looks like you can see it from the parks during the launch.

 

[jeff968]

thanks, we are there for President's week 2011 so if the 2/26 launch doesn't get pushed off we may drive over to see it. Sounds like quite a site.

 

[jpeppers]

We went to a launch a couple of years ago and just parked on the highway outside of Cocoa Beach for free where lots of people were parking. We were a few miles away but it was free and a very good view of the fireball going into the sky. There was a little bit of traffic getting going but really not too bad!