NASA LAUNCH

**caseyd** · 16-07-2004, 04:27

Just got an email form the Kennedy Space Center: NASA's Messenger to Mars rocket launch, Monday August 2, 2:16 a.m. Eastern time
This probe will reach Mercury in 2008, will map the entire surface in color, and will measure th ecomposition of the surface and magnetosphere, providing the 1st new data on Mercury in 30 yrs. Launch tickets now available on the website.

Also they are having celebration of man's land on the mmom in July, w/many Apollo astronauts on hand on different days. See their website. www.kennedyspacecenter.com

**Ruth** · 16-07-2004, 04:41

Thanks for that information. Are we likely to be able to see anything from Orlando?

**steph_goodrum** · 16-07-2004, 12:10

It's worth trying to see it if you are anywhere around, especially if you have young children who can then follow the progress over the years.
It seems unbelievable to us that in Oct '97 we watched the launch of the probe Cassini to Saturn which arrived there this month after a 7 year journey.
I was talking to my brother about it yesterday evening and they have just received more pictures back since the probe went past the sun. They had some brilliant pictures back of Titan (Saturns moon) but are hoping for even better ones on the next fly by as it will be the closest position ever achieved.
Even our daughter, who at 11, was not especially interested in matter like that enjoyed the displays at Kennedy and has followed its progress keenly, despite being made to get up on 2 consecutive morning at 4 am for the drive to Jetty Park due to first day launch being aborted 10 mins before take off. It certainly was something none of our family has forgotten - equalled only perhaps by seeing a shuttle take off from Cape Canaveral - obviously the main difference there being the fact that they were manned and the realisation that it was somebodies families who were making the incredible journey.
Now as she's approaching her 18th birthday next month it brings home just how big the enormity of these challenges are.

**stabard** · 16-07-2004, 12:31

thanks for the tip - we are over then so will certainly try and see the launch[msnsmile2]

**chrisj** · 16-07-2004, 12:53

Were there as well and hope to see it

**Genie** · 16-07-2004, 13:02

The last launch that we were lucky enough to see we bought the tickets on-line and it actually was cheaper than the entrance fee to Kennedy space centre ! had we have left it until we got over there they were sold out long before the launch date. It is an incredible experience !!

**chrisj** · 16-07-2004, 13:10

We are going to Kennedy, got the tickets from this site. But not around the launch day, we
will more than likely try and watch it from kissimmee as its early in the morning