February's Space Shuttle Launch

[MIChessGuy]

This may not qualify as an Orlando "attraction," exactly, but I found out that a space shuttle launch has been set for the morning of Thursday, February 12, coincidentally during the week that I'll be visiting WDW. I am planning to haul myself out of bed early that morning to observe the 7:32 a.m. launch, then hotfoot it back to one of the parks in time for the 9:00 a.m. opening. Can anyone recommend a good, and preferably free, viewing area? I do not plan to visit the KSC itself this time; I only want to see the launch.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

 

[du286]

The State Park at Port Canaveral.

 

[Buzliteyear]

How long of a drive is it to CC from Orlando?

 

[FidlMom]

I'm trying to google the state park at Port Canaveral, but not finding it exactly. Does it go by another name, like Sebastian Inlet State Park?

Thanks!

 

[MIChessGuy]

The State Park at Port Canaveral.

D'oh! NASA announced tonight that they are pushing the shuttle launch back to February 19. They must have found out I was interested in seeing it! (Actually it was because of a faulty engine valve.) But I will make a note of the Port Canaveral location for a future visit. Thanks!

 

[BPCooper]

For the future, and I hope you try to see another one,

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

 

[BPCooper]

No earlier than Feb. 22 now. Feb. 22 launch time would be 3:31am and the time continues to get earlier by 23-25 minutes each subsequent day.

 

[eldres]

I was in Orlando when the last shuttle launched back in Nov.08.I thought about going to see it myself but I ended up glad that I didn't.The launch was about 8pm,and at 11pm the local news was still showing massive trafffic jams in the area of the launch.

 

[BPCooper]

Not before Feb. 27 now (1:32am EST if) as evaluations continue.

http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts119/090213meeting/

 

[jpeppers]

I went to see the launch about a year and a half ago and the traffic really wasn't bad. We parked along the highway and the police shut down all traffic so when you left it was really controlled. We just pulled out and headed back towards Orlando.....a little slow for a few miles but not for long. I'm hoping to be there for this launch too but will watch this one from Orlando.