Florida - Best place to view shuttle launch

I plan to be in Cocoa Beach for the Nov 1 shuttle launch, but despite watching missed the chance to get causeway or KSC tickets. What is the best place to watch the launch from that doesn't require tickets? Anyone know of a good way to find causeway tickets, etc? I know the area reasonably well, but I've never been there for the traffic associated with a launch, and any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Doc

Here is a good starting point:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/florida/449600-shuttle-launch.html

Here is another one that has some useful general info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/florida/818242-next-nasa-shuttle-launch-may-31-likelihood-being-scrubbed-delayed-2.html

Thanks djk, I do already have a hotel on the beach in Cocoa Beach, so can see it from there, but looking for the best vantage point by asking for locals advice. Is Titusville better?

This thread may be of some help http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/where-best-to-watch-the-shuttle-launch.cfm

This thread may be of some help http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/where-best-to-watch-the-shuttle-launch.cfm

Thanks Vic, an especially good link in your reference is http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
which really summarizes things nicely. I appreciate it!

Interest is very high for the last 2 - STS 133-Discovery/STS134-Endeavour - shuttle launches. I would be prepared for heavy traffic (larger than past launches) if you decide to drive closer than your cocoa beach hotel. Also be ready for a possible scrub or delay in the launch (could be a couple of minutes to a couple of months). The part of the launch that can be seen with the naked eye (no-telephoto/zoom lens) is 2 - 5 mins. Take these concerns into account on your trip.
In my view, it is well worth the time and effort to view a shuttle launch. I have had the priviledge of watching 2 (nighttime from Nasa Causeway, and daytime from the KSC visitor center) and the misfortune of going to 3 launches that were scrubed or delayed. I had a wonderful time when I visited the area and I too will try to catch one of the last 2. BTW, there could also be a one more launch in the summer, STS-135-Atlantis. A friend, I once took to a launch, summed up the experience this way -

"Wow....this is where humans come to leave earth...a true spaceport"

Good luck and I hope you get to experience the launch.


Here is one more site with info:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view/view_shuttle.html

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I was able to get a causeway ticket via Grayline tours for a very reasonable price, so am pretty happy with that. Hopefully the launch will get off during the November window, as I'll be there for the whole week.

Heading out in the morning, have two days to gorge on seafood till the delayed launch on Wednesday. Can't wait....

Heading out in the morning, have two days to gorge on seafood till the delayed launch on Wednesday. Can't wait....

The delay is no fun. Hang in there. The launch will be worth it, and I am excited for you. Please keep us updated.

Go Baby Go! : 11/3/10 3:52 PM (Eastern)

The delay is no fun. Hang in there. The launch will be worth it, and I am excited for you. Please keep us updated.

Go Baby Go! : 11/3/10 3:52 PM (Eastern)

The delay is probably all for the best as it gives me a couple days to relax prior. As long as it doesn't get bumped again.... I'm here till the launch window closes anyway.

Anyway, I like visiting Florida - great beaches, great food, nice people. Will try to get a good picture or two for everyone.


Sitting in Orlando waiting for my rental car to be washed, then out to the coast.

Doc

We have an invite from NASA to watch the launch, and the pick point is on Merritt Island. Any idea how busy the causeway bridge from Cocoa will be the morning of the launch?

We have an invite from NASA to watch the launch, and the pick point is on Merritt Island. Any idea how busy the causeway bridge from Cocoa will be the morning of the launch?

I just talked to a young techie type at Radio Shack in Cocoa Beach, and he says on launch days, airshow days, etc., like yesterday, it takes him 45 minutes to go three blocks in CB.

My bus to KSC and the causeway is picking me up in Titusville at 6:30 am, earlier than previously planned. And this is for the 4pm launch.

From these indicators, I'd guess that the earlier you get there the better, by quite a large margin.

Maybe I'll see ya at KSC....:D In any case, have fun.

Doc

I fly out from MCO on Weds at 7pm - does anyone know the best place to view it if, as I think I will be, I will be at Orlando airport at launch time?

I fly out from MCO on Weds at 7pm - does anyone know the best place to view it if, as I think I will be, I will be at Orlando airport at launch time?

Launch time is now set at 3:52 PM and the weather forecast (at MCO) is warm (88F) with a 20% chance of rain. I would guess that a good, unobstructed place at the airport to see the launch would be at the East end of the departures level (outside). Look to the SE. It's also helpful if you have a small, portable radio to give you an idea of possible delays. I don't think there will be any TVs at or near the ticket counters on the departures level. Alternatively, you could also go to the very top level of the parking structure directly across from the main terminal building and look SE.

Update: Shuttle launch rescheduled for Thursday afternoon. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/os-nasa-discovery-problem-20101102,0,2866431.story

NASA's Kennedy Space Center NASA managers have decided to postpone the next launch attempt for Discovery to no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST. Details will be discussed during a 1 p.m. news conference on www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Nutz.


Unfortunately, I am booked solid and can't make the late Nov./ early Dec launch window, so will have to try to get back to Florida for the February launch.

Fortunately, I still have a STS-133 Kennedy Space Center 2 day pass and Causeway ticket. Wonder what that will fetch on eBay. Just looking to get my money out of it.... We'll see what Meg Whitman's legacy does for me.

Unfortunately, I am booked solid and can't make the late Nov./ early Dec launch window, so will have to try to get back to Florida for the February launch.

Sorry to hear about the delay. The new date would be great...a night launch @ 4:05 am. Maybe your luck will improve for STS-134.

The best place to view the shuttle launches, is of course, from my office here at KSC. :) But seriously, for those wishing to see a spectacular view, Spaceview Park in Titusville is the best. I live here and have seen many, many launches. We have taken our boat out in the rivers and watched it from there, also the beaches are good too. Remember, you have hours and hours and hours to wait for the launch to go. If it's scrubbed, your time is wasted. I try and do something I would enjoy anyways, like hit the beach, so that if it doesn't go, or even it does, you can just hang on the beach afterwards and enjoy your day!

We are rolling out tonight - for the February 24th launch.

Discovery Rolls to Pad Tonight
Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:06:13 AM EST


At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery will be moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, with first motion scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. ‪

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew is in the virtual reality lab today rehearsing robotic techniques that will be conducted during the second spacewalk by Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew.

Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

The best place to view the shuttle launches, is of course, from my office here at KSC. :) But seriously, for those wishing to see a spectacular view, Spaceview Park in Titusville is the best. I live here and have seen many, many launches. We have taken our boat out in the rivers and watched it from there, also the beaches are good too. Remember, you have hours and hours and hours to wait for the launch to go. If it's scrubbed, your time is wasted. I try and do something I would enjoy anyways, like hit the beach, so that if it doesn't go, or even it does, you can just hang on the beach afterwards and enjoy your day!
We are rolling out tonight - for the February 24th launch.
Discovery Rolls to Pad Tonight
Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:06:13 AM EST
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery will be moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, with first motion scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. ‪
Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew is in the virtual reality lab today rehearsing robotic techniques that will be conducted during the second spacewalk by Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew.
Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
I am happy to read that we have a KSC employee as a Flyertalker. Great post on the launch and the rollout. What beaches do you recommend for watching the launch, outside of the restricted area?