Space shuttle viewing

[leebee]

I'm not sure if this is the right board, but...we leave for Florida on 1/15, arriving at MCO at 10:30 pm. (Not the best itinerary, but at $155 rt, bangor ME to Orlando on priceline, I can't argue...). Shuttle is scheduled to launch between 10am and 2pm the next day (1/16). OK, I know it's "iffy" to plan around a shuttle launch, but we're thinking of driving directly to the coast from the airport, staying overnight there, and hopefully watching the launch the next day. Anyone have any info on the best places to watch from, hotels located near good viewing spots, etc.? How far ahead of time should we stake out a viewing spot? Will the cops make us move if we're parked off the road? I figure, if the launch is scrubbed before we leave for the airport (4pm departure) I can cancel the "space coast" ressie and go with my hotel of choice. Anyhow, if anyone has any info or suggestions, I'm "all ears" .

 

[TreeOfLife]

You can see the launch from virtually everywhere. All you see is the ball of fire, though. If you are at the KSC they sell some tickets to the tour but still will keep the closest areas to the launch pad closed.

It was worth it, but nothing like the definition and clarity seen on TV

At least such was our experience years ago

 

[nkjzmom]

Cocoa Beach is a great place to watch. Also Titusville, my hometown. Really any of the cities right in that area.


http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/

This is the official NASA site for the KSC. You will find lots of helpful info.

http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/carpass/offsiteview.htm\

This is from that same NASA page...it has the best offsite viewing areas.

While you won't see it as clearly as on TV, it's worth being there to hear and feel it! The windows on our house would shake and rattle. I miss it!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Depending on how clear the day is on the launch and where you are on the Space Coast it is more than just a ball of fire. Good viewing is any where from Sattelite Beach to Titusville. I watch it from my backyard in Melbourne. I still get excited every time whether it is the shuttle or a rocket. I love when the windows rattle. lol

 

[TreeOfLife]

I hear that strong vibration rattling the windows sends the male crocks sexy signals, since males use similar sounds to establish dominance and court a babe... Then they all start to shake up those impressive water squirts on their backs!


But the thing is, if you planned to pay for the tour thinking you'll get a better view, chances are you won't. The KSC has a room where you can watch the launch through cameras, giving you a much better view! I thought we'd see the shuttle and all, and we just saw the ball of fire and heard the outlandish rattle during take off. But that alone is a fantastic experience! Just park in the KSC's parking lot or hang around and listen to Mission Control's countdown...

 

[TreeOfLife]

I hear that strong vibration rattling the windows sends the male crocks sexy signals, since males use similar sounds to establish dominance and court a babe... Then they all start to shake up those impressive water squirts on their backs!


But the thing is, if you planned to pay for the tour thinking you'll get a better view, chances are you won't. The KSC has a room where you can watch the launch through cameras, giving you a much better view! I thought we'd see the shuttle and all, and we just saw the ball of fire and heard the outlandish rattle during take off. But that alone is a fantastic experience! Just park in the KSC's parking lot or hang around and listen to Mission Control's countdown...

 

[crelange]

We watched from the top floor (east facing) balcony. It was something unbelievable to see. Good luck with seeing it.

Chris

 

[rocketgirl]

Actually, I'm down here near KSC on business... i'm supporting a launch that's occuring in a few weeks...

Watched an Atlas launch from the Cocoa Beach Pier, where there's are several restaurants on the pier with views to the cape.

Of course, there's always the top floor of some of the taller hotels (e.g. Hampton Inn on Cocoa Beach) where you're sure to see some great views!

and fyi, i'm not male

 

[DisOrBust]

I had to reread TreeOfLifes post twice I read it to fast the first time..."male crocks" ....lol!!!I thought it was something else...