Space Shuttle Launch?

[TinkOhio]

We will be at WDW during the date of the next launch, April 5th. Is it possible to see anything from there?

 

[tiggersmyguy]

We were at the MK for a launch in 2007. We were in front of the castle looking towards Space Mtn and we could watch the shuttle.

 

[Cleocat]

We watched one from the boat launch area of the Magic Kingdom. Couldn't really see the shuttle just the smoke trail. But still it was pretty cool.

 

[Metro West]

We will be at WDW during the date of the next launch, April 5th. Is it possible to see anything from there?

This is shot of a night launch last year from my front yard. This is about all you'll see anywhere in the Orlando area. If it's during the day, you'll only see the contrail but at night...it's spectacular!

 

[TinkOhio]

This is shot of a night launch last year from my front yard. This is about all you'll see anywhere in the Orlando area. If it's during the day, you'll only see the contrail but at night...it's spectacular!

Thanks for sharing the pic! I think that this shuttle is supposed to go off around 6:30am. Is it still dark there at that hour now that we have "sprung forward" with daylight's savings time?

 

[southcarolinagirl]

Yep, dusky dawn but not bright yet.

 

[daannzzz]

I saw an awesome sunrise launch form he 4th floor of the Casitas at Coronado Springs. Be aware that the launch was postponed 2 mornings so you may get and check the TV to find that it will not occur. I was waiting in line to get into the AK when the CM yelled out "Did you all see the Shuttle Launch this morning" and only a few people raised their hands.

 

[RabFlmom]

Can't remember if this launch is a day or night launch, but we saw the Delta rocket launch at 6:35 or so on March 4th from the MK. We came out of Mickey's Philharmonic and were just walking on the sidewalk a little ways past past the Castle and there it was. Amazing how good a view it was from there. Almost as clear as from my house in South Brevard.

 

[RabFlmom]

We will be at WDW during the date of the next launch, April 5th. Is it possible to see anything from there?

Date may change because of a helium leak. If they can't fix it on the pad there will be a delay.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks for all of the information!

RabFlmom~ if there is a change that you hear about, could you post it here so that anyone reading can be updated...please?

 

[RabFlmom]

Thanks for all of the information!

RabFlmom~ if there is a change that you hear about, could you post it here so that anyone reading can be updated...please?

Sure. I will try to remember to stop in here as soon as I hear anything.

 

[starlionblue]

I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble but I feel that you all should know. It may seem very high-tech and yes, it's amazing to watch. However, remember, it's 2010. The shuttle has been in use for nearly 30 years. NASA has been looking for a replacement for some time. The International Space Station will be completed some time this year. Once it's done, all of the shuttles will be grounded with the possibility that one will be reserved for emergencies. Endeavour made its last night flight a few weeks ago.
I don't know whether Discovery or Atlantis will make any additional night flights. If you are planning a vacation in Orlando this year, a trip to Kennedy on a launch day is a must for space buffs. Sorry if this post has dampened anyone's plans but I felt it was important. I'd hate for someone to go all the way to Florida and find out the shuttle missions are over. The replacement might be based on the Soyuz rockets. They work kinda like the Apollos where we have three separate stages that break off at various points during the flight. Sadly, because of the horrible state of the former Soviet Union, there appear to be no plans to replace Soyuz either.

 

[myDISboards]

We will be at WDW during the date of the next launch, April 5th. Is it possible to see anything from there?

Date may change because of a helium leak. If they can't fix it on the pad there will be a delay.

From NASA.gov as of Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:56:28 AM EDT

Tests under way on shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, crews are performing additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Preliminary data shows the regulators are functioning within specifications so far. Testing is expected to be completed this evening. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks for the update!

 

[myDISboards]

From NASA.gov as of Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:56:28 AM EDT

Tests under way on shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, crews are performing additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Preliminary data shows the regulators are functioning within specifications so far. Testing is expected to be completed this evening. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.

Posted: March 26, 2010

NASA clears space shuttle Discovery for April 5 launch

NASA managers reviewed the shuttle Discovery's flight readiness Friday and formally cleared the ship for launch April 5 on a three-spacewalk mission to deliver ammonia coolant, supplies and science gear to the International Space Station.

Engineers plan to begin Discovery's countdown at 3 a.m. EDT on April 2, setting up a launch attempt at 6:21:22 a.m. Monday, April 5, roughly the moment Earth's rotation carries the launch pad into the plane of the space station's orbit.

 

[famsen]

Is there somewhere a little outside Orlando, maybe halfway between Orlando and Kennedy, where we could drive and pull off the road to watch the launch with a really good view? Are there places the Florida locals like to watch from?
This will be my last trip to Florida where I will have a chance to see a shuttle launch. I saw Discovery on the launch pad while visiting KSC a few years ago and just the sight of that alone brought tears to me eyes.
My eyes are welling up right now writing about this.