View Full Version : NASA Launches
bluebirds
12-12-2004, 19:10
Just checked out the NASA Website and there is the possibility that the Shuttle will return to Space when we are out in Orlando. Where is the best place in the surrounding area to see the launch as we guess it is going to be mad out there because it is the first since the fatal crash. Any suggestions will be welcomed. If the shuttle does go up in May 05 when we are there it will be a bonus.[xmas1][catinhat]
If you don't want to be right on top of it, you can see the shuttle launches from anywhere in the Kissimmee/Orlando area if there's not too much cloud.
If you want 'grandstand' viewing, then you can book tickets in advance (but no refunds if the day gets changed - which isn't unusual).
Alternatively, Cocoa beach is a good place and not that far away.
bluebirds
12-12-2004, 19:27
I think it will top the holiday if the shuttle goes up when we are all out there. Will probably head to Cocoa Beach. Hope it is not mememorial weekend as the place is going to jumping.
We have seen it from the end of the pier at Cocoa it was good there, if you can't get onto the pier another good place to go and see it from in Banana Bridge,which is on the road North from Cocoa to Canaveral.
Magical Dreams
12-12-2004, 20:16
Remember where ever you intend to go, There will be hundreds more there too.
So go early and be prepared to wait.
Tune in to the Nasa Radio station that gives up to the minute info on the launch.
Hope you get to see it.
We have not managed it yet, they usually end up being cancelled or delayed and that is so gutting!
Remember your Video Camera and Camera
[grouphug]
We have been at the Kennedy Space Centre - accidentally, I might add - they had been changed - for two launches and they really are "spectacular". I have never felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up before[:O] and I really do hope you get to experience a launch. Wonderful!!
DarrenShort
12-12-2004, 20:56
When is the next launch due for rockets ?
Ray&Sarah
13-12-2004, 00:44
That must be one of those "never to be forgotten" experiences, something my family would love to see.[msnsmile2]
Have managed to see two, it is the most spectacular sight, the closer the better, our 1st time was from an official site, taken by bus from the space centre, the 2nd was from Tittusville, good view but the 1st was the best.
Have a look at this url for all launches:-
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html
Remember though that the NASA website only lists the NASA launches. They don't show the USAF launches. To get the full story you need to keep tabs on some of the more generic space type URLs. Here's a reasonable one: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/
I was over at Kennedy today hoping to catch the Boeing Delta IV Heavy Lift test flight but the launch got scrubbed between me phoning to check that it was still on and getting to Kennedy. Boeing might have another shot tomorrow but it all sounds very political about whether the USAF and Lockheed will cut them a day's slack or not. The next planned flight out of Cape Canaveral is December 17 when a Lockheed Atlas 5 rocket will take up a new satellite.
The folks at Kennedy are making quite a big deal about the Delta IV as it's going to be the biggest rocket to fly since the Saturn V moonshots. Apparently it can carry a payload within a few thousand pounds of what the shuttle is capable of.
Bluebirds - I hope you get to see the shuttle launch. It is quite spectacular. Cocoa beach or anywhere around Titusville are both great places. Fingers crossed.
MaggieAllan
13-12-2004, 12:15
As I've mentioned before, we have been very lucky and seen two launches fron Cocoa. We chose to sit at the bar at the front of the pier as they have TVs, so you can watch all the build up close up and then stand up and watch for it in the sky.
steph_goodrum
13-12-2004, 12:55
We've been lucky and seen a launch from Jetty Park of the the rocket taking Cassini to Saturn (which arrived this year after a 7 year journey - can't believe it was so long ago we saw it take off). It's been fascinating tracking the progress rather than watch the launch and forget about it.
The other one was better as from Jetty Park you cant see anything on the launchpad and dont see it till it comes over the brow of the hill.
The other launch we were lucky enough to see was the last shuttle launched before 9/11 (in fact 2 weeks before) so we were able to get passes to watch it from the Air Force Base across the river so it was just as we've seen it on tv with the shuttle on the launch pad etc and all the smoke rising before lift off.
They've stopped doing that now because of security, we did think it was strange that we could video through the base on the way to the site and commented on the apparent lack of security there.
It is definitely one of those experiences not to be missed if you get the chance.
Champagne
13-12-2004, 21:41
Understand there is a launch on Jan 8th, during our next trip - hope so 'cos we intend to view if there is!
bluebirds
14-12-2004, 22:48
Spoke to my friends who we are going with and we are all heading to the places that have been recommended. A friend of mine many years ago won a competition in the Times to go and he said it was the best thing he ever did. He was a close that is possible to go for non Nasa staff. Definately going to atke lots of film for this one.
We always watch from Tutsville, take a couple of chairs or something to sit on as you need to go early to get a view down by the water. We always take a drink with us as well as it does get rather crowded and you always wonder if you pop for a drink you might miss something. GREAT EXPERIENCE[clap]
linda allen
15-12-2004, 21:57
We have stayed at the Howard Johnson at Titusville. Its not brilliant but the water view rooms look over to the launch pads for the shuttle. It would be a great place to stay for a launch, though I wouldn't bother otherwise.
We have seen a launch from Cocoa Beach and it was worth it just for the atmosphere. We had radios with us so we could listen in. We tried to get into a hotel the night before and they were all fully booked! Where ever you stay leave early and take something to sit on. We got caught up in traffic and were not were we would have liked to have been but it was still an amazing experience to never be forgotton......[msnsmile2]
Went to see the Endeavour launch in Nov 2002. Spent the day at the space center. Went to one of the flight briefings. Watched the crew preparing for the flight via a live link. The atmostphere was electric, the whole place was buzzing. It was an evening launch so we dragged the entire family out to one of viewing areas. 10 minutes before take off it was cancelled. Apparently it was raining in spain!! Just being there on a launch day was an experience i'll never forget.
It went the next evening, I could not convince the family to make the trek back out. Ended up seeing it from the parking lot of The Magic Kingdom. Still an awesome sight from 40 odd miles away.