Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch

[anorak]

NASA managers decided today to target March 15 instead of March 16 for the next space shuttle launch. That means Atlantis’ 11-day flight to the international space station could move up a day to provide an extra launch opportunity. The mission must get underway by March 29 to avoid conflicting with a Russian launch to the station scheduled for April 9. Atlantis’ official liftoff date will be set at the traditional Flight Readiness Review on Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Kennedy Space Center.

This is a great free event, but just be prepared for it to be cancelled or delayed.

I usually go down and park near Port Canaveral where the cruise ships are and listen on the radio to the countdown. Once it happens its all gone in one minute. Dont rely on hearing it launch, you wont get the sound for ages after it fires up and takes off.

[ellie]

We watched the shuttle launch in September, it was fantastic. We had one aborted launch but we just couldn't miss it so we went back for a second time and it took off on schedule. However, there were lots of delays in the summer, so we were really lucky to see it. It really was one of the high spots of our visit to our villa, and well worth the journey. It was actually quite emotional as we were surrounded by Americans.

We did not find the traffic a problem on either day - we had heard such bad reports of traffic jams that we expected to be sitting on the highway for hours, but there were no jams at all.

If you get the chance, go and see it.:)