Do shuttle launches cause flight delays to MCO?
 

Flying to MCO Wednesday evening and see that there is a shuttle launch scheduled for 9:20. Will this cause delays to flights arriving MCO? In other words, is the airspace cleared in Central Florida for a time before and after the launch?

I don't think so, though they will likely route planes inland so that the launch path over the sea aren't interfered with.

Please follow the discussion as the thread moves to our Travel->Florida forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I've lived in FL for over 20 years and have never heard of any delays of commercial flights to MCO or other airports due to shuttle launches. It is possible some flight paths may be changed to avoid flight restrictions around the launch pad. GA traffic around the launch pad for several miles is banned before a launch.

If you're flying in at that time, I wouldn't be concerned about it.

The Shuttle launch will not restrict traffic over MCO. The main effect is that flights will be diverted from Florida's east central coast. The window for the upcoming launch is just a few minutes anyway, so the overall impact is minimal.

Can you please explainable more information about Space Shuttle will be launched? When is that? Is that this Wednesday evening? I'm sure if I will watch on the TV. I am really wants to be in the space.

Agree with Pedro M. It's not likely to be a problem for you at all.

BTW, you can get updated shuttle information here http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sh...ain/index.html.

The new launch date is set for Sunday at 7:43 p.m. Hopefully the Space Shuttle will be able to take off this time if no leaks are detected.

If you have never experienced a launch, I recommend trying to get to at least one. The main drawback is the frequent delays, so try to schedule your visit when you're in the area for more than a few days. Only eight more flights are currently scheduled, so don't delay.

My first attempt to view a launch in 2006 ended in a scrub, but I did get to see a launch a year later. An added bonus was that I also got to see Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, Jim Lovell, Scott Carpenter, Charlie Duke, Gene Krantz, and a host of other notable individuals from the glory days of the space program (when we were all a lot younger) who were present at an autograph show that coincided with the launch.