Shuttle launch -best viewing?

[juliebro]

DH has spotted there's the possibility of a shuttle launch on our last day of our forthcoming trip.

We've never had the chance to see one before.

Although we know there's a strong chance the date will slip, what's the best place to watch a launch from?

Is it Space View Park in Titusville?

Anyone been there and can share any tips on getting the best out of the experience?

 

[DISWolves]

I have seen it launch from Orlando, but not from close up, I have heard the re-entry 'bump' quite a few times
I am sure Wayne will be along soon, I think he has been to space view park a few times.
here is the link to his post for the latest launch
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2434817&page=4

How to get there http://spacelaunchinfo.com/spaceview.html

 

[Monoxide]

Went to see the last launch on April 5th, it was great.

Plan on getting to wherever you want to watch it from at least 2 hours in advance.
We planed on a hour and got stuck in traffic, got to see the launch but not from where we wanted to.

 

[wayneg]

Welcome to DISboards Monoxide.

As Nigel said we have been twice to Titusville, Spaceview park. 1st time arrived about 2 hours before with no traffic this time due to us arriving in Orlando only a few hours before launch we arrived 20 mins to launch, a little more traffic but not too bad. Worst traffic was going back to Orlando as we hit morning rush hour ontop of Shuttle traffic.

Now hope the July launch is delayed a few days so we can see the penultimate launch, arrive 4th August.
If at all possible see a launch, its an amazing experience.

 

[juliebro]

Thanks Wayne.

Keeping fingers crossed that it won't be postponed from 14th May, which is the day before we are due to fly back home.

Where's the best place to park at the Spaceview park? Or do you not really have much choice?

 

[wayneg]

Parking was really easy both visits, 1st time we had about 2 hours to launch so got really close at #1 on this map, this month we only arrived 20 mins to launch so had to goto #2, still only about 5 mins walk to Space View Park, this car park was almost empty, maybe 10 cars but I guess could hold 1,000+
Link to Google map of the area also.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=28.615936,-80.807909&spn=0.005463,0.011319&t=h&z=17

 

[juliebro]

Thanks Wayne!

Fingers crossed there's no delays to the launch.

Never had chance to see one before.

 

[JoC-UK]

WE went last May and found that the spac park area itself was really busy but went just the other side of the bank next door to the space park and found a really goo area there with a direct view and nobody infront of us - though we didn't get the radio

If I went again I would take a radio incase I ended up at the same place that way I could still listen to the launch

I'm hoping to go to the July Launch this year although as these are the last few I thought it might be busier.

It's a good chance to see some history -

Another tip is to take lots of cold drinks ideally in a cooler as it gets really hot out there and they are often delayed for a while. There are stalls in the space park selling drinks and burgers but they are quite expensive. if you are at a villa that has lots of stuff in the garage chairs etc are also a good idea

Have a great time

Jo