Best place to view shuttle launch
#1
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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
Thanks,
Doc
#2
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Here is a good starting point:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flori...le-launch.html
Here is another one that has some useful general info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flori...delayed-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flori...le-launch.html
Here is another one that has some useful general info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flori...delayed-2.html
#3
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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?
#4
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This thread may be of some help http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...tle-launch.cfm
#5
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This thread may be of some help http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...tle-launch.cfm
which really summarizes things nicely. I appreciate it!
#6
Join Date: Sep 2010
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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/...w_shuttle.html
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/...w_shuttle.html
Last edited by CokeandTaco; Oct 31, 2010 at 8:19 pm
#7
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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.
#9
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Go Baby Go! : 11/3/10 3:52 PM (Eastern)
#10
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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
#12
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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.... In any case, have fun.
Doc
#13
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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?
#14
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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.
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Shuttle Launch Rescheduled
Update: Shuttle launch rescheduled for Thursday afternoon. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...,2866431.story