Early Monday Shuttle Launch Time.1259AM EST

[madcoco]

Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-113 on a construction mission to the International Space Station, from Pad 39A Launch at 12:59 a.m. EST.

Next rocket launch:
Nov. 16: Inaugural flight of Boeing's Delta 4 rocket carrying a Eutelsat satellite from Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Time to be determined.

 

[madcoco]

You know how they say trouble comes in 3s.Just got back from Orlando Magic game which they lost in the last minute. Favorite football team gives up 17pts in 4th quarter and ends up in a tie.
Just getting reading to head out to watch the launch.Turn on the TV and find out the launch was scrubbed until at least Tuesday I sure hope visiting WDW folks found out before leaving their resorts.Great evening toh well.

Update: 1140EST. Watching the local Nasa Network press conference. Now saying launch is scrubbed for at least 7days due to a small O2 leak.Goodnews for you DVCers heading down next week but dissapointing for those who are leaving.

 

[Bobbie]

We are heading down during the week of Thanksgiving and I am holding out hope that the launch will be delayed until we are there. Selfish, I know, but my kids would love it (I think).

First question, Where is the best place to view the launch (off of NASA property)? And do you bring your own lawn chairs, etc. Would it be that kind of thing?

Secondly, would it scare the daylights out of my kids? Ages 4 & 5.

Many thanks,
Bobbie

 

[madcoco]

As you can imagine there are a ton of places to view.It shouldn't scare the children as you are still a distance away at the closest public viewing points.How do they react to fireworks?A night launch lights up the sky but there are no big booms on launch.On re-entry you get the sonic booms which can wake you up depending on where you are located.Have seen a number of launches over the years from very close(family viewing area.) to far away (Airborne at 43,000). Still exciting and a night launch is the best of all.Here are some links.You can try getting tickets for the public viewing site. Last night KSC gave out a bunch of viewing tickets at the Magic Game and Spacecenter lunchboxes to the kids.But not us kids stuck in adult bodies.LOL
We usually go to one of the causeways across the Intercoastal with loungechairs,refreshments,and bug spray.They broadcast the launch on the local radio stations.It can be a festive atmosphere or frustrating when it gets cancelled within seconds of launch.Traffic can be heavy so allow ample time.Hope it works out for your family.
Viewing info:
http://www.store.yahoo.com/kennedyspacecenter/lttandmaxac.html

http://spaceyideas.com/spaceview.html

http://www.nbbd.com/godo/spaceviewpark/

 

[welovespacemoutain]

Can anyone tell me what a landing is like? We are weighing going down a day early to fit in some time at KSC - which now turns out to be the "projected" landing date of the next mission. Is it anything "special" worth rearranging our trip over? Or would it mean increased security/access that would make KSC a place to avoid that day? TIA!

 

[madcoco]

Try this for info.Most of the time you don't see much on landings but the sonic booms can be felt.Sometimes barely if at all noticeable to sharp cracks which can rattle the windows.
Here is a site with some info.
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/carpass/offsiteview.htm

 

[welovespacemoutain]

Originally posted by madcoco
Try this for info.Most of the time you don't see much on landings but the sonic booms can be felt.Sometimes barely if at all noticeable to sharp cracks which can rattle the windows.
Here is a site with some info.
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/carpass/offsiteview.htm

Thanks for your help!

 

[madcoco]

Your welcome