Kennedy Space Center on Rocket Launch Day

[funforfive]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this so move this post if necessary
We are planning to go to KSC on Good Friday 4/10/09 and the website lists a rocket launch on this date. Do they change the dates very often for these launches? I'm assuming the bus tours would be closed, but how awful are the crowds for this type of launch? Should we see the launch or switch our plans around??

TIA

 

[safetymom]

You can't even get into the complex on launch day unless you have launch day tickets.

 

[Janet Hill]

It's a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral (Air Force base and next door to KSC) and the general public doesn't have access to any portion of the base. We were at KSC on a rocket launch day and some portions of the bus tours were available. We were able to see the launch from KSC, so IMO it's a great day to go. No special ticket required for this day.

 

[funforfive]

It's a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral (Air Force base and next door to KSC) and the general public doesn't have access to any portion of the base. We were at KSC on a rocket launch day and some portions of the bus tours were available. We were able to see the launch from KSC, so IMO it's a great day to go. No special ticket required for this day.

Thanks for that, we thought the boys would enjoy the excitement if we are still able to see some of the exhibits. How were the crowds? The launch is scheduled for noon..... How early do we need to arrive? We're planning on getting there by 10am if that's not too late.

 

[Janet Hill]

Not really much hype and excitement for a rocket launch, since it's not a NASA launch. There are really no accessible areas for a straight on view of the launch so you will just see the rocket in the sky - still pretty cool. When you get to KSC you can just ask an employee where the best view will be. KSC was really not crowded the day we went, but you will be there during spring break so there could be a lot more people milling about.

If your boys are into the space program , you should try to get them to a shuttle launch. These are very exciting.

 

[BPCooper]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this so move this post if necessary
We are planning to go to KSC on Good Friday 4/10/09 and the website lists a rocket launch on this date. Do they change the dates very often for these launches? I'm assuming the bus tours would be closed, but how awful are the crowds for this type of launch? Should we see the launch or switch our plans around??

TIA

They are wrong, there is no launch currently slated for April 10. Kennedyspacecenter.com is not the place to look for launch dates as their schedule is terribly wrong most of the time. Bookmark these two websites to keep track of launch dates:


http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html (best site)

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html (NASA launches only)

Yes, launch dates do change frequently and you may still get lucky.

The tours are not always affected by rocket launches, only shuttle launches. Rocket launches may affect one of the tours but not the main one, or only close one stop on the main one, depending on which rocket is being launched.

If there is a launch when you are here, even if it is a rocket and not the shuttle, I encourage you to go see it at the best place possible. You can find information here:

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

You can't even get into the complex on launch day unless you have launch day tickets.

This only applies to the space shuttle and not to rocket launches.

There are really no accessible areas for a straight on view of the launch so you will just see the rocket in the sky - still pretty cool.

Also not correct. Free, publicly accessible areas with clear views to the launch pad are available for every launch, and in fact, the public can get great seats for views of Delta 2 launches from just 2.9 miles away. It's not as big and powerful as the shuttle, but Delta 2 is definitely the second best thing to see (they are all giant powerful rockets). Delta 4 is next best after Delta 2, with a great view from eight miles away. Atlas 5, the last rocket, comes in "last" for which launches I would recommend aiming to see as the viewing is the furthest.

Finally, no crowds are never an issue for unmanned launches, although sometimes some of the best sites can fill up as they are smaller areas.

If you have any further questions please ask.

 

[funforfive]

Thanks for the above information...I think we'll keep our current day and if anything extra is going on it will be a bonus

I'll check the websites you listed before we go to see if anything is scheduled.

Another question...do you recommend the Lunch with an astronaut? Our boys will be almost 10, 8, 7. TIA

 

[BPCooper]

Thanks for the above information...I think we'll keep our current day and if anything extra is going on it will be a bonus

I'll check the websites you listed before we go to see if anything is scheduled.

Another question...do you recommend the Lunch with an astronaut? Our boys will be almost 10, 8, 7. TIA

I am sure they would love to meet an astronaut (and wouldn't you?) It's an experience for them and who knows, maybe they will get more interested in math and science and space as a result!