Shuttle Launch

[Pegasus928]

Nasa's site says that they have a shuttle launch scheduled for 12th Feb at about 7.30am, and we were thinking of making the trip as it may be one of the last ones they do before retiring them.

Has anyone ever been to see one and where would be a good location to park and watch?

 

[epcot1stfave]

If there are no tickets left for the space centre itself Cocoa Beach is a popular area for watching. Hope you have better luck than us, the one we went to see was cancelled only hours before launch and after a couple of more cancellations was put back months.
Good luck I hope you get to see it.

 

[wayneg]

See this thread I posted in last year.
Seeing a shuttle lauch was one of the best things I have seen in my life, anyone that gets chance before they retire them should without doubt.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1575855

 

[orangetiggs]

we went last feb and it was the best thing we did! We went to titusville and the view was fantastic

we parked in a park area and sat on the boat jetty's it was so good

 

[epcot1stfave]

If there are no tickets left for the space centre itself Cocoa Beach is a popular area for watching. Hope you have better luck than us, the one we went to see was cancelled only hours before launch and after a couple of more cancellations was put back months.
Good luck I hope you get to see it.

Just had a look for ticket availability, try this http://www.ksctickets.com/stspshat.html?ic_campID=4&ic_pkw=GH_119Launch_Jan09

 

[orangetiggs]

we didnt pay anything only $10 for parking the car. and got a fantastic view straight across the water to KSC

 

[wayneg]

we didnt pay anything only $10 for parking the car. and got a fantastic view straight across the water to KSC

We didn't even have to pay for parking at Titusville. Arrived and they were just opeing an field across the road from space park, free for anyone to park.

 

[orangetiggs]

we got lost and were quite late so I guess we got the short straw but for the view and no crowds I was pleased with the $10 spend! worth every penny

Not sure I would spend money to go to the offical bit as we tried to get in there and it was more of a diagnal view and loads of trees in the way. Also very corwded

 

[Pegasus928]

That is a fantastic photo Orangetiggs

If we can get anywhere near that then I will be very pleased.

We had looked at the causeway tickets last night but are beginning to sway away from them a little as Titusville looks to be a much better option.

With regards to finding a good viewing spot - are these sign posted or is it a case of turn up, follow the crowds and just grab somewhere when you can.
And any advice on a good time to set off from our villa for a 7.30 launch would be much appreciated.

Thanks again guys.

 

[wayneg]

With regards to finding a good viewing spot - are these sign posted or is it a case of turn up, follow the crowds and just grab somewhere when you can.
And any advice on a good time to set off from our villa for a 7.30 launch would be much appreciated.

Thanks again guys.

We went here http://www.titusville.com/Page.asp?NavID=207
Was very easy to find, arrived about 2 hours before launch and parked easy. Took about 1 hour from hotel, no traffic but think we were lucky.
At the park there is everything you need, food stalls, drinks, restrooms, ice creams, Shuttle merchandise and a great atmosphere.

 

[Pegasus928]

Thanks for that Wayne.

Decision made

 

[Boss Hogg]

I think that going early would be a good idea, when we were there in November the shuttle had it last night-time launch and according to the news the traffic queues were horrendous - basically the Beach Line was a parking lot!

I would think these last few launches will be very popular. Luckily we managed to sort of see it from the restaurant we were in...

 

[jharrowell]

If you can go I'd highly recommend it. Do remember though that the Shuttle can be delayed or even cancelled so you may not get to see it on your trip.

We tried to see a launch during Mousefest 2007 and it was postponed for a day, another day, another... In the end it really disrupted our vacation and it didn't go up while we were there.

However we were lucky enough to be able to do a flying visit to Florida in Feburary when it finally did go up and it was spectacular, definately worth the wait.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=clj_w_Rk-1E

Here's our video if you're interested...

 

[BPCooper]

Here you can find detailed information on viewing the launch. The closeup causeway tickets go on sale tomorrow, Monday, at 9am EST.

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