Kennedy Space/ Cocoa Beach

[Baghdad Bob]

How far is it from Kennedy Space Center to Cocoa Beach? Can you see the launch from Cocoa Beach?

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

Don't know about Cocoa but it's roughly an hour to Titusville[edit: FROM Orlando], and probably more like 2 hours + on a launch day - there will be lots of traffic. Most people go to Titusville to watch unless they are have KSC passes. They closest you get in Titusville is about 12 miles from the launch site(differs depending upon whether they're using A or B pad). The closest you get on the KSC causeway viewing area with passes is about 6 miles, unless you are a big wig VIP.

 

[Baghdad Bob]

How early should you be there?

 

[DNSDisney]

Bob if you are planning to go on June 8 for that launch it is going to be a nightmare, besides the launch itself and the regular tourist traffic there is also a special event going on a KSC that week, with book signing by astro., big banquets, lectures etc.
It is going to be a traffic nightmare I think getting in to see the launch close up. You can see it from the beach in Cocoa Beach.

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

Bob if you are planning to go on June 8 for that launch it is going to be a nightmare, besides the launch itself and the regular tourist traffic there is also a special event going on a KSC that week, with book signing by astro., big banquets, lectures etc.
It is going to be a traffic nightmare I think getting in to see the launch close up. You can see it from the beach in Cocoa Beach.

We are considering going to see it, but I'm not sure I want to blow a whole day in traffic for only the POSSIBILITY to see a launch from 12+ miles out. Too many variables, especially weather, in play that can prevent a launch, and the launch window is only 10 minutes that day. An inconvenient T-storm will scrub it for the day, and MASA will be very careful as they have plenty other small daily windows right through into July. We'll probably watch the vapor/smoke trail from WDW and get our close up later that night on that box full of wires and lights.

 

[Baghdad Bob]

Can you hear it take off from Cocoa Beach?

 

[DNSDisney]

not sure, i haven't seen or heard it ever (other than when i lived in Naples and it exploded many years back) My daughter has seen it a few times with her father from Cocoa beach.
I did forget about Jetty park , that might be a good place to watch/hear it.
It is right next to Ron Jon Cape Caribe resort in Port Canaveneral . It is a public beach/park. I know that from the beach at Ron Jon's you can SEE one of the gantries (sp?) for the shuttle liftoff. I would think for sure if you can see it that clearly you should be able to hear it .... easily

On a side/sad note:
Pioneer astronaut Wally Schirra dies at 84
He was the only man to fly in Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spaceships