Space Shuttle Launches Viewing Tips? Etc?

[momandseandodisney]

is there any this September going up?

 

[troyhouse]

We will be there between May 14 - 22 , any launches during this period?

 

[3MGIRLS]

Someone may have already posted something similar, as I haven't read this entire thread - but anyhow...

Lat year, we happened to be at EPCOT during a day launch. Based on where we were standing, we got a great shot (distant as it was) of the launch as the shuttle trajected over Mission: Space. Everyone was cheering. It was pretty awe inspiring.

 

[BPCooper]

There are two sites to bookmark to keep track of launch dates accurately:

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

-The shuttle is going to be next May 31.

-Today, NASA has stated that they will probably not choose a new date for the STS-125 Hubble mission until after this one launches May 31. October remains the likely "no earlier than" time frame.

-As for September, right now there is a rocket launch slated for Sept. 11. But it is a long way off so bookmark the above and just check back as it gets nearer.

 

[BPCooper]

Thanks for those links -- very helpful and interesting info there!

NASA officially announced today at a press briefing that the STS-125 Hubble mission is October. A formal date (likely Oct. 8) should be announced soon. Same goes for a slip to the following mission of STS-119 from Dec. 4 to early 2009.

 

[krbq]

NASA officially announced today at a press briefing that the STS-125 Hubble mission is October. A formal date (likely Oct. 8) should be announced soon. Same goes for a slip to the following mission of STS-119 from Dec. 4 to early 2009.

Thanks for staying on top of this, BPCooper -- NASA hasn't even updated its website yet. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who appreciates your posts!

 

[BPCooper]

Thanks for staying on top of this, BPCooper -- NASA hasn't even updated its website yet. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who appreciates your posts!

Here is an article detailing the slips with some quotes from todays press briefing:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts124/080501shannon/

 

[rsmpta]

-The shuttle is going to be next May 31.

WOOHOO! We are flying into Orlando May 30. Thinking we may need to rearrange our vacation schedule!!

 

[lorasmom]

How busy will the Space Center be the day after the launch? We were thinking about heading over on June 1st.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

Just found this out. Excellent news. I have witnessed a launch 2 times (first was the first one after the explosion). I hope my DH and DDs will get to experience this like I have. There is nothing like it in the world.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Darn it, we canceled our trip for the end of May, but if DH had known about the launch, I'm sure we'd stil be going.

 

[goondisney]

I saw the night launch in March it was cool to see but very short. I was very cloudy that night.

 

[nkjzmom]

Will the fires/smoke in Brevard County affect the launch?

 

[Autoeng]

I will be in Florida on the 31st but unfortunately we will have finished our WDW vacation and will have moved on over to Sarasota / Siesta Key. Can anyone suggest best viewing possibilities from the gulf area without getting tied up in the launch crowds? I am willing to drive an hour or so to improve viewing.

Thanks
Autoeng

 

[bouncycat]

The fires and smoke shouldn't cause a problem unless the smoke is blowing straight for the shuttle, or the fire is threatening the space center, which at this time it is not. The wind isn't even blowing that general direction, but of course that can change at any time. Last I read in the paper is everything is a go, the astronauts had their walk thru countdown last week, and all is well. Launch is still set for Sat the 31st, at 5:02 PM. As far as viewing from the gulf coast, I'm not sure about that, haven't been over that way to watch a launch, so I can't answer that. I wasn't aware you could even see it from Disney before I found these boards! The launches are definedly a spectacular sight, so if you can get the chance to see it, go for it. I've been watching live launches since the very first launch in the 80's, and it STILL gives me goose bumps every time I see it!!

 

[Autoeng]

Titusville at the park or do you recommend a little farther away to avoid the crowds as much as possible?

 

[BPCooper]

I would stick to Titusville. You don't have to go to Space View park in particular, there are several miles of waterfront there. The view outweighs the crowds though.

 

[Mr._Potato_Head]

Subscribing. I want to keep an eye on this thread. My kids would LOVE to see a launch!

 

[CandlePrincess]

i've never seen a launch for real but film footage of a night time launch that i saw was definitely the best!

 

[dgaston]

We're actually making a special trip to FL to hopefully see the launch. This is our third attempt. We are staying in Cocoa and plan to watch from Titusville. We parked at what's now the Clarion before, but may try Space View Park this time.

Any suggestions on traffic back to Cocoa?