Shuttle Launch Update Dec. 7

[northie]

For those who will be in the World Dec. 7, there is a night time shuttle launch scheduled. Here is the latest from NASA's site:

Dec. 7* STS-116
STS-116 will deliver a third truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components during the shuttle's 20th mission to the International Space Station.
Launch Time: 9:38 p.m.

The time (and even whether there is a launch) can change so check the NASA site at http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html before going on your trip! I have not seen a launch (even a night launch isn't bright enough to show all the way in Minnesota! LOL!) but I understand night launches are pretty spectacular!

Sara

 

[fla4fun]

Night launches are great, but the best ones are the ones just before sunrise, so the sun is hitting the shuttle, but the sky isn't too bright yet.

This one, if it goes as scheduled, will probably go up while I'm watching Illuminations. I hope I can see it around the fireworks!

 

[trypnotic]

Here's to hoping that it get scrubbed until the next day, allowing us to arrive first

 

[toystoryduo]

About how far away is it from WDW and does anyone know how much it will cost? Thanks!

 

[northie]

About how far away is it from WDW and does anyone know how much it will cost? Thanks!

I am guessing Canaveral is around 60 miles away, but it's free...you just stand outside and watch! Supposedly you can see it from Disney property. If you have a car, you can head down toward Canaveral and watch from a beach!

Sara

 

[northie]

Here's to hoping that it get scrubbed until the next day, allowing us to arrive first

There was one scheduled on our last trip only it got scrubbed so we missed it! Hoping to catch this one

Sara

 

[northie]

Night launches are great, but the best ones are the ones just before sunrise, so the sun is hitting the shuttle, but the sky isn't too bright yet.

This one, if it goes as scheduled, will probably go up while I'm watching Illuminations. I hope I can see it around the fireworks!

We're going to meet my brother (who lives in Fla) for dinner at Downtown Disney and make sure we are outside by 9:30. Hope we get to see it!

Hmmm sunrise. If I lived there I could see a sunrise one, but when I am on vacation my brain doesn't want to move that early!

Sara

 

[toystoryduo]

I am guessing Canaveral is around 60 miles away, but it's free...you just stand outside and watch! Supposedly you can see it from Disney property. If you have a car, you can head down toward Canaveral and watch from a beach!

Sara

Thank you very much, Sara! My kids (and my DH ) will absolutely love this!

Does anyone have any recommendations on the best place to watch the launch? Is it at Cape Canaveral or at a nearby location? Do you know where you can see it from Disney property?

Thanks so much!

 

[christyewhite]

My husband and I are going to see the launch that day. I've never been before, so I'll just pass on the information I've gotten. The most important thing is that if you plan to drive toward the east coast to see the launch, keep in mind that traffic is terrible. I've been told to allow at least 2 hours to get there and 3-4 hours to get back. You can search "space shuttle launch" on these boards and find many threads about the best places to watch. I think if you are in Disney, you can just look east and you should see it. I hope your family has a wonderful trip!

 

[northie]

Oh my! I never thought about the traffic! Thanks for the pointers! Very exciting to me since we live so far away! Only thing that launches around here are a few bottle rockets! Not quite the "awe" factor of a shuttle launch!

Sara