Author Topic: Falcon Heavy - NASASpaceflight member meetup (Read 36049 times)

cscott · « **Reply #20 on:** 01/04/2018 05:33 PM »

I've got good seats for the STP-2 mission, thanks to the light sail Kickstarter... But I'm still considering packing up at short notice and trying to see this inaugural launch. We'll see how work and family responsibilities and airfares work out when the launch draws nigh.

I might be bad luck, though---the last launch-and-NSF-meetup I attended was for SES-9 in Feb 2016 and I managed to pay KSC $$$ for two scrubs in a row. I'm thinking the public beach near jetty park would be the right thing this time; it should have a great view of the dual landing.

sghill · « **Reply #21 on:** 01/04/2018 05:46 PM »

I plan on being there for the launch (assuming it doesn't slide over and over).

I guess we need to know an approximate launch time to determine a restaurant meet up, or other location for the actual launch.

Paul Adams · « **Reply #22 on:** 01/04/2018 05:53 PM »

How many do you think might attend - I might have a very interesting solution!

spacenut · « **Reply #23 on:** 01/04/2018 06:04 PM »

I'm interested. I live in East Alabama, and it is about a 8-10 hour drive. I'm retired, so no problem with timing. Was planning on a winter vacation sometime around mid-January anyway.

Would like to know more concrete times, so I or all of us can get hotel/motel arrangements.

cscott · « **Reply #24 on:** 01/04/2018 06:21 PM »

Generally I'd suggest Fishlips for a meetup location. The ASDS and support navy ought to be out at sea, but it's pretty close to SpaceX launch & landing control, so folks could nip over for a visit.

There's not a core erected outside the LCC yet, is there?

wes_wilson · « **Reply #25 on:** 01/04/2018 07:09 PM »

Interested. I live in Tampa and plan to drive over to see it assuming I'm not traveling for work when the date gets firmed up.

Michael Baylor · « **Reply #26 on:** 01/06/2018 03:05 AM »

Quote from: cscott on 01/04/2018 05:33 PM

I'm thinking the public beach near jetty park would be the right thing this time; it should have a great view of the dual landing.

For any NSFers without media credentials, I recommend this site: https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4154883,-80.623802,16.47z

You will have a clear unobstructed view of the pad and a better view of the landing. You want to see the pad for this launch. Due to the high risk, it will be nerve wracking watching it (hopefully) clear the FSS.

Additionally, because the road is elevated above the water, you should be able to see the top half of each stage after landing.

The only drawback is that it technically says "no parking." I am not aware of there ever being any issues. But, if you don't want to risk it just park at the port and Uber the rest of the way.

The only spot that could be better is if KSC offers some additional viewing locations. The NASA Causeway would be amazing. It splits the distance between pad and landing zones. However, it's typically not open to the public. That being said, this is the most exciting launch at KSC since the final Shuttle mission, so they might add some additional viewing locations. Keep an eye out!

As for me, unfortunately I won't be able to attend anything. I was going to fly in for the launch, but due to the delay it will take place while I am at college. I am very jealous of all of you.

CyndyC · « **Reply #27 on:** 01/06/2018 04:55 PM »

Will it be considered acceptable if in the middle of any technical discussions someone pulls out his or her phone and Googles some or all of what was just said, instead of or before contributing to the discussion? I'm sure some of the most knowledgeable people here are dependent on Google occasionally, but probably not as often or as much as some others. I'm asking for a friend

Comga · « **Reply #28 on:** 01/07/2018 02:31 PM »

Can anyone here say if Kars Park is open to the public?
Streetview doesn't show any gates or signs that limit driving at least to the gate.
This was the official launch viewing site for New Horizons.
It is decently close to both LC-40 and LZ-1 with pretty clear lines of sight.

cscott · « **Reply #29 on:** 01/07/2018 03:16 PM »

Quote from: CyndyC on 01/06/2018 04:55 PM

Will it be considered acceptable if in the middle of any technical discussions someone pulls out his or her phone and Googles some or all of what was just said, instead of or before contributing to the discussion? I'm sure some of the most knowledgeable people here are dependent on Google occasionally, but probably not as often or as much as some others. I'm asking for a friend

Certainly! A little thought before speaking is always appreciated. I've always appreciated that forums allow a slightly better ratio of thought to speech. It would a shame if a face-to-face meetup eroded that ratio.

visionik · « **Reply #30 on:** 01/08/2018 02:38 PM »

Count me in. I live in Orlando.

I also have two 80 amp Tesla chargers and one 40 amp on-site if any Tesla owners drive down and need some charging.

-J

mike robel · « **Reply #31 on:** 01/08/2018 03:38 PM »

I live on Merritt Island, so I will be going meet up or no. I'd be glad to get together with anyone who gets down here.

KARS Park is not open to the Public.

Lar · « **Reply #32 on:** 01/08/2018 06:46 PM »

I was hoping to catch something when I was down there over NYE, but all I caught was a cold. I am looking at how to make it happen...

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #33 on:** 01/08/2018 06:57 PM »

Quote from: Paul Adams on 01/04/2018 05:53 PM

How many do you think might attend - I might have a very interesting solution!

I honestly have no idea. I plan to put out the formal call for "Let me know who's coming and how many in your group" once Static Fire is done and we have a target launch date.

C5C6 · « **Reply #34 on:** 01/08/2018 07:17 PM »

Count me in!

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #35 on:** 01/08/2018 07:26 PM »

I'm going to try to make it down for this one, have to check flight options once timeline firms up.

GORDAP · « **Reply #36 on:** 01/08/2018 08:22 PM »

I'll probably try to come over from the FL west coast, if/when it looks like a launch is actually probable that day.

philw1776 · « **Reply #37 on:** 01/08/2018 11:00 PM »

Quote from: GORDAP on 01/08/2018 08:22 PM

I'll probably try to come over from the FL west coast, if/when it looks like a launch is actually probable that day.

Yup. I'm just south of Tamper and will go unless it's the days my family visits.

Jim · « **Reply #38 on:** 01/09/2018 12:16 AM »

Quote from: mdeep on 01/03/2018 08:06 PM

I know Dixie Crossroads got mentioned a few times, but to help cover the bases, I want to throw Zarrella's in Cape Canaveral out there too.

neither of those please. There are some better places. After all, this is not space hipbreakers.

Jim · « **Reply #39 on:** 01/09/2018 12:17 AM »

All in