Veiwing a Space Shuttle launch.

[The King of Sheba]

Hi all,

It seems there is a chance we'll be in Orlando when the Space Shuttle is launched (Atlantis, possible launch date end of April).

Can someone recommend a good place to veiw this from & any tips for viewing it etc.

I know you can get tickets for the Kennedy Space Centre, but they seem to be sold out.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated...

Thanks...Shane

[Sharon G]

Shane,

We sat on Cocoa Beach, just a few miles south of the Kennedy Space center and had a fantastic view!!!!....and its free[msnwink]

[CERICROWLEY]

I have just been on the schedule site, and at the moment the "aim" launch is at the end of April, but this is set to go from Californa. The STS117 has no fixed date as of yet.

But if it does go ahead, you will need to be on the road at least 6 to 7 hours before the flight as the road are very, very busy, and they close the launch area about 2 hours before launch for security.

Cocoa beach area would be the best for a free view of the launch.

[Val]

HI SHANE,
Over the years we have watched a few shuttle launches and always go to Titusville, never been disappointed.
Hope you manage to see a launch it is spectacular.

Val

[Snapper]

There are some great spots just off the causeways where the 528 crosses the Banana river. Whenever I have the chance to photograph a launch I usually head there.

If you want an idea of the view from the 528 there are some photos of the last Atlantis launch at: http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_33509.asp

[BarryR]

We sat on Cocoa Beach Pier to see a launch, a little bar at the end for the cold beer whilst you wait,
was bliss. Then into the sea to cool off. The pier is normally free but I think on launch days they cash in with a small admission charge.

[CCollins]

Where can you find out when the launches are?

[BarryR]

Caroline,

The link for the NASA launch schedule is:
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

I think that is a link we are allowed to put on the forum.

[CCollins]

Thanks Barry, I'll have a look and see if there's one when I am going next[clap]

[Macka]

STS 117 is pencilled in for early April depending on the damage to the fuel tanks in the recent hailstorm see excerpt below.

It is due to go from Kennedy in Florida.

<span style="color:blue">03.30.07 4 p.m.
In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. work is under way to assess and repair hail damage to the external tank, ET-124. Special scaffolding and platforms have been erected to allow access to the tank and orbiter for inspections and repairs.

Foam repairs on the liquid hydrogen tank, which is located on the bottom of the external tank, are complete. The focus is currently on repairs to the liquid oxygen tank.

Shuttle program managers will meet on or about April 10 to decide whether to use ET-124 or substitute it with a new tank, ET-117, which is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy in early April. </span id="blue">