View Full Version : Best place to view a shuttle launch?
murraycrewe
07-08-2009, 02:51
Me and my family will be in Florida from 23rd August-6th Sept and so we will be able to watch the launch of Shuttle Discovery on the 25th August (lets hope it Isn't delayed as much as the last one!)
What I want to know is that where is the best place to view a shuttle launch? I actually know someone who has been invited by Nasa to watch it from the 'countdown clock' area because one of his relatives is going up in that space shuttle!!
Unfortunately I am not that lucky so can I have some recommendations for the best launch viewing spots?
By the way we will be going to the 'viewing spot' by car from the Orlando area (staying in Davenport) so if any roads will be closed because of the launch, can you also let me know about that.
Thanks
Have a look at this thread
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_19475.asp
or put SHUTTLE LAUNCH into the search box to find all the threads that cover this.
You may already know that the planned launch time is 1:36AM. The roads around that area can get very busy so do not plan to be back in the Orlando area very fast.
Past experence suggests that it could take 2 to 3 hours to get back.
Dave
murraycrewe
07-08-2009, 03:06
Thanks for the info Dave
Lindyloo
07-08-2009, 21:15
We have just got back from Orlando and we were lucky enough to see the launch on 15th July.
We went to Titusville and managed to get a fantastic spot on the banks of the waterway directly across from the launch pads. It was a really amazing experience. We got there a couple of hours before. I would not leave it any later, as it got very busy there. Also be prepared for a long drive back again after [msnsmile]
If you need some detailed directions let me know and I will consult our map.
Steve Robbins
09-08-2009, 14:13
Hi, must admit to being a little gutted as i was hoping to catch a shuttle launch when were over. I had looked on the nasa site for any launch dates and they had none planned near our stay dates and the one you are going to watch happens the day before we arrive typical [msnscared] lol. Do you know if there are any more scheduelled before september 9th when we come home?
Steve
ncmurray
11-08-2009, 16:23
Hi,
Just to make sure that I have the right information, the shuttle launch is at 1.36am on Tuesday 25th August, so basically on the night of Monday 24th?
Does anyone have a link to a website where we can watch the countdown, and see if it has been cancelled or postponed. Also, if you have an FM or MW radio, can you listen to the launch?
Lindyloo, I have pm'd you with my email address, and I would really appreciate driving direction to the place that you found in Titusville.
Thanks
Nuala
This map shows all the local parks which have a view of the launch pad. The nearer to Titusville you get the shorter this distance to the pad. However it also makes for a longer drive back due to all the cars ahead of you.
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/davel/2009811145143_31722670.jpg
Dave
.
We are also flying out on the 23rd.
We looked at the NASA site for VIP viewing tickets but they were sold out HOWEVER some bus tour operators still have availability of there allocation. So we managed to get 4 VIP launch viewing tickets from them but the price includes a coach transfer from Kissimmee to KSC. See the links from the NASA site. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links here but if you need them let me know.
We have also watched a delta rocket launch from the pier at Cocoa Beach, further away but a great atmosphere with locals and tourists all watching together. And there is a little outdoor bar at the end of the pier !
ncmurray
12-08-2009, 00:09
Hi Barry,
Could you send me a link to the coach company?
Thank you
Nuala
murraycrewe
12-08-2009, 16:17
Thanks for all the replies peeps!
I've done some research and found a place called Jetty Park. It's right at the top end of cocoa beach and has souvenir shops and eating places apparently. So apart from the Kennedy itself, this place seems to be the best bet for viewing the launch.
Space View park at Titusville is just over half the distance to the pad as compared to Jetty Park. They also have places nearby where you can buy things. The only thing to be careful of is how many will stay open until 1:30am. Make sure you are stocked up with everything you need.
I have just talked to my current guest who has tickets for the viewing area. He went to a launch last year and said that it took him 4 hour 20 mins to get back to his villa. So please plan ahead with this in mind.
Dave
murraycrewe
12-08-2009, 22:08
Ah rite ye thanks Dave, i've just spotted it on the map that you posted earlier. I think i'll go there to watch the launch. The closer the better! Although as you said, it will be busy on the roads on the way to and out of Titusville. But I suppose I will settle for that as I will have the chance to see one of the last shuttle launches, well if it isn't delayed too much!
murraycrewe
12-08-2009, 22:11
I have another question to ask, Dave. Does this space shuttle viewing park in Titusville get so crowded on launch days that you have to be there a few hours before to actually make sure you get in? Or are there plenty of parking spaces there?
Thanks
Most of the parks do get busy but a lot depends on the day of the week and time of the launch.
That being said they are getting more crowded because as you say there will not be many more. Also they try not to plan a launch at night if possible. Most of the time it only happens when there has been a delay and they want to get it away as fast as possible.
I am guessing that with a launch at this early time in the morning there may be a few less people around.
I would think that your best course of action would be to arrive in the Titusville area around 7:00pm and find somewhere to have a slow meal before heading back to the park. You may want to plan on spending the day in the Cocoa Beach area before you head up to the park.
Good Luck and lets hope it goes on time.
Dave
Hi, pm sent with ling to the coach company we brought our viewing tickets from.
murraycrewe
13-08-2009, 15:14
Ok, thanks a lot Dave.
Dave.
The launch date has changed moved forward 24 hours - it is now Sunday night (well Monday morning technically) that is the night we fly in. I'm calling the coach company this afternoon to see what we can do. as i doubt we will be able to meet the coach pickup times.
murraycrewe
17-08-2009, 16:59
Interesting that they've moved it forward by 24 hours. Do you know why they have done this? Maybe it has something to do with hurricane Bill? But I thought it was forecast to miss Florida altogether?
BTW Barry, who are you flying with on the 23rd and at what time, because you never know we may be on the same plane.[beer]
Dooh - it's been moved back to original time on Tuesday morning ... great should ba able to catch it again, best I phone to coach company to rearrange pick up point again .... hope NASA fix the date now !!!!
We are flying out from Gatwick on Virgin on Sunday 23rd, the first flight out VS027 !
murraycrewe
19-08-2009, 18:28
Ah right cool well we're flying from Manchester so obv not the same flight!
Hi
Has anyone ever seen a landing, if so can you view from the same sites as the launch? Can you even see a landing?
Unfortunately we miss the launch [msnsad] but are there for the landing on the Sun 6th Sept.
ShirleyD
22-08-2009, 02:20
We went to Cocoa Beach to watch and there was a great atmosphere. Sadly it was cancelled 10 minutes before the lauch [msnsad]
ncmurray
25-08-2009, 04:29
One last question, does NASA broadcast on a radio channel that we can listen to while driving to Titusville?
Thanks
Nuala
ncmurray
25-08-2009, 19:41
Well, that was SO disappointing[msnsad] The launch was cancelled with only a few minutes to go because of concerns about the weather.
I would just like to say thanks to Barry for sending details of the coach company (although we didn't use it), and especially to Linda who sent us driving directions to the place that she went to. The directions were spot on!![msnsmile]
Ah well, we might just look at it on tv tonight.
Nuala