Space Shuttle Launch?

[esk]

Not sure if this is the best place to post, but can anyone give me info on watching a Shuttle Launch from KSC? There is one scheduled for our upcoming Dec trip (subject to weather of course) and DS6 woud lose his mind if we go to go.

How early to arrive, how long does it last, is it scary, where to park, what kind of ID must be shown?

Can we go over to KSC afterward for a tour/visit to the Space Center, or is that a terrible idea because the place will be out of control with crowds?

Any help is very much needed and appreciated!

 

[Janet Hill]

We went in August and to get into the Kennedy Space center that day, you will need a special launch day ticket. The crowds at the exhibits and such were not as bad as I had expected. You can get ticket info from their website.


http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

 

[BPCooper]

My guide should give you a rundown:

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

If you want to view on site, and closer, than you must go after the tickets the day they go on sale http://kennedyspacecenter.stores.yahoo.net/stspshat.html. For your Dec. 6 target launch it would be sometime in early November or possibly late this month. There is an info email list to sign up for to be alerted when they do. As he said above, you do need a special launch day ticket. By choice you might prefer to tour KSC on a separate day before or after launch.

Otherwise, Titusville is the closest free viewing.

Scary, bo. But crowded it will be and you should arrive there a few hours before launch. If you have tickets for on site viewing, they will give you a time to arrive.

Regardless of that, it is well worth the wait!

 

[ziggylu]

My husband would love to see a shuttle launch. We're arrivign in Orlando for his conference on 26 Oct and the next scheduled launch is 23 Oct. Seems like launches are delayed more often than not so good chance it won't actually go until we are there....

When launches are delayed is there any chance to get last minute on-site viewing tickets or is the Titusville viewing our only option?

 

[BPCooper]

If it is scrubbed at the last minute they will sell new tickets for the next attempt on a first come first served basis, and I believe it is in person only but you should call and check.

Keep an eye out for launch date changes:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

I don't know how long you are in town for but also keep an eye on the unmanned rockets from Cape Canaveral. They are also worth going to. Currently the second Delta 4 Heavy flight is slated for the evening of Nov. 2.