Space Launches...

[doubletrouble_vb]

When I'd get a chance I'd like to see another space launch. It would be nice if I could see it from a DVC location but... I could be on the road on a given launch day (I only see 4 over the next year).

How close to you have to be to see it? The one launch I saw was a gorgeous sunset shuttle launch while at MGM. What is the furthest north anyone has ever been to be able to see a launch?


Thanks

 

[floridafam]

We saw a shuttle launch from VB once and it was amazing. The shuttle looked like it was feet away from us and the way it opened up the sky was amazing.

 

[kathleena]

Are they doing them again?

I saw once from room 1510 at OKW - from the deck.

And I saw once sitting in the Mickey section of Fantasmic - it came up thru the sky from behind the mountain. It was dusk and the sky was beautiful and what a tremendous sight it was. We saw people over to our right pointing and didn't know what they were pointing at - then it just appeared behind the mountain.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

The next regular (non-Shuttle) launch is Dec 30. Then something else in the first quarter. After that is the new date for the Discovery launch which was bumped back to May 14th...this would be great for me since its near my birthday.

 

[darner]

links to schedule
shuttle missions
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm

kennedy s.c. missions
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/mixfleet.htm

even before the tragedy, they would frequently have delays for weather, technology, etc.

we thought we'd be lucky a few years ago on a s.s.mission, but missed it by a week or two because of delays.

there's always mission: space!

 

[poohj80]

Even though the "official" NASA line is May '05, don't look for the next Shuttle launch until Sept '05 at the earliest.

from a true Space Cadet

 

[DJR]

In '95 we were able to see a night launch from OKW (don't remember which room). It was very cool to see at night, as that whole part of the sky lit up before we saw the flame trail from the boosters.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Anybody see a shuttle (or any) launch from further north than Disney? I 'd be coming down from Atlanta so if it happens to be a day that I'm driving down and there is a launch I could look for it.

 

[poohj80]

Sorry, I can't help. The farthest away I've been during a launch is the Causeway.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by doubletrouble_vb
Anybody see a shuttle (or any) launch from further north than Disney? I 'd be coming down from Atlanta so if it happens to be a day that I'm driving down and there is a launch I could look for it.

I live in Palm Coast, FL which is about 1/2 South of St.Augustine and I've seen shuttles launched from my back yard. I've also seen a shuttle get launched once when I was at Vero Beach resort back in 97' and that was the most spectacular one I've seen to date. It lit up the entire sky like it was daylight ~ it was really cool!

 

[Time4disney]

I was at EPCOT for the LAST nighttime shuttle launch which was in Nov. 2002. We were waiting for it and saw it while waiting for Illuminations. It was an awesome sight and I can actually say that I have the last night time launch ever on video. At least that is what I was told........that all space shuttle launches will take off during the day from now on.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by Time4disney
that all space shuttle launches will take off during the day from now on.

That is the current plan at least for awhile.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Poohj80 is correct. I read an article on Friday, where they are now talking about September 2005. They are also considering getting rid of the entire shuttle program in a couple of years for something more modern. (Remember, the first shuttle-Columbia- launched in the early 80's, using 60's & 70's technology.)

 

[poohj80]

It's more than a couple of years away but that is the plan. The Shuttles are necessary to complete the International Space Station, but a smaller and more efficient crew vehicle will be necessary to reach the moon and beyond.

PJ

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

guess this ot but what sort of vehicle will they use for future construction? Or will they just make sure the parts are smaller

 

[poohj80]

The new vehicle is currently under design but would be for crew more than payload.

 

[John VN]

Would be something special if the launch of the next shuttle was 9/4/05.