Author Topic: SpX/CRS-10 launch and landing viewing (Read 30387 times)

Comga · « **on:** 02/03/2017 04:31 am »

The launch of the ISS resupply mission SpX-10 / CRS-10 from LC-39A and the potential landing of the first stage at LZ-1 are being viewed from several places.

The NASA Langley team with SAGE-III and others are watching from the Turning Basin near the VAB
This is 5.0 km from LC-39A and 14.7 km from LZ-1

The NASA Goddard team with STP-H5 is watching from the Banana River Campground
This is 19.9 km from LC-39A and 12.4 km from LZ-1

The public can vew from many places including the side of Rt-401 in Port Canaveral
This is 21.1 km from LC-39A and 10.0 km from LZ-1

Then there is Jetty Park in Cocao Beach.
This is 22.3 km from LC-39A and 9.8 km from LZ-1

What are the relative merits of each of these observation points?
Will the distance make a difference in the perceived sonic boom?
If you had the option, which would you choose? (Some people actually have that choice!)

Flying Beaver · « **Reply #1 on:** 02/03/2017 05:03 am »

Should KSC Saturn/Apollo center viewing be open? ( Pre-purchased tickets). Nothing on KSC website yet. Still February TBD.

It's only 6.5km from 39A. But the VAB blocks a direct view to LZ-1.

Comga · « **Reply #2 on:** 02/03/2017 06:10 am »

Quote from: Flying Beaver on 02/03/2017 05:03 am

Should KSC Saturn/Apollo center viewing be open? ( Pre-purchased tickets). Nothing on KSC website yet. Still February TBD.

It's only 6.5km from 39A. But the VAB blocks a direct view to LZ-1.

It's NET 2/14 at 11:34 AM EST
The Turning Basin is to the SE of the VAB. LC-39A is to the ENE of the Basin. LZ-1 is to the SE, across the undeveloped wetlands. The VAB should block nothing.

(Google maps identifies the wrong area as LZ-1. It's actually one to the north of where they mark it. Someday they will get a new ground image with the LZ-1 pad a big circle of concrete with the X.)

deruch · « **Reply #3 on:** 02/03/2017 06:41 am »

What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.

Jim · « **Reply #4 on:** 02/03/2017 12:08 pm »

28.532443, -80.616868

I am going to try here. Splitting the difference and it is on berm

daveglo · « **Reply #5 on:** 02/03/2017 12:27 pm »

Must be nice to be on the Space Center, Jim!

For those of us less fortunate, what's your recommendation?

Thanks!

Orbiter · « **Reply #6 on:** 02/03/2017 12:54 pm »

Quote from: deruch on 02/03/2017 06:41 am

What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.

They closed for Space Shuttle launches, so it's hard to imagine they'll be open for a F9 launch from LC-39A.

If this is anyone's first time viewing a F9 landing I'd recommend Port Canaveral as it is close to LC-13. Watching the CRS-9 landing from that perspective was amazing. The timing of the sonic booms almost exactly coincides with touchdown, which is a pretty dramatic effect. Obviously though seeing as LC-39A is several miles further north than SLC-40 the launch may not be as exciting.

leetdan · « **Reply #7 on:** 02/03/2017 01:17 pm »

The intersection of Courtenay Parkway (State Road 3) and Space Commerce Way is open during launches, is just as close to LZ-1 as the port, and is closer to both 39 and 40. There's no elevation unless you stand in a truck bed or something, so trees obscure the immediate ground level. It's made up for in my opinion by better acoustics, plus it's not nearly as crowded as the port area.

28.5004285, -80.6730129

CraigLieb · « **Reply #8 on:** 02/03/2017 01:31 pm »

Let's agree not to get in a boat and go into the exclusion zone...

ZachS09 · « **Reply #9 on:** 02/03/2017 01:50 pm »

Quote from: deruch on 02/03/2017 06:41 am

What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html

This website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.

Flying Beaver · « **Reply #10 on:** 02/03/2017 03:04 pm »

Quote from: ZachS09 on 02/03/2017 01:50 pm

Quote from: deruch on 02/03/2017 06:41 am
What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html

This website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.

I'm sure if the beach is open that it's considered safe

. Launch viewing is not "at you own risk".

Folgers25 · « **Reply #11 on:** 02/03/2017 03:15 pm »

If you had a boat, Ski Island in the Banana River would be ideal. You could see both Pad A and the LZ with hardly any obstructions.

But if I can take that day off, I'm going to be on the long dock at KARS. Can just see Pad A , have a straight LOS to the LZ, and there is a little less traffic to deal with.

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #12 on:** 02/03/2017 03:34 pm »

Quote from: Flying Beaver on 02/03/2017 03:04 pm

Quote from: ZachS09 on 02/03/2017 01:50 pm
Quote from: deruch on 02/03/2017 06:41 am
What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html

This website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.

I'm sure if the beach is open that it's considered safe . Launch viewing is not "at you own risk".

Agreed. If they're opening Playalinda for F9 from 39A, then it's clearly deemed safe. However, to be 100% certain, I'd call and ask if it really will be open before trying to head out there.

rmhe1999 · « **Reply #13 on:** 02/03/2017 04:25 pm »

PM for one of the GSFC / STP-H5 experiments here. We're hearing rumors of a CRS-10 slip to 2/17/17 due to Pad39a preparations. Anyone else hearing this? No information online anywhere; everything still showing 2/14/17. We've got a ton of GSFC engineers & their families traveling down for launch. Everyone is booking travel and looking for the most up-to-date intel on a launch date.

RemoveBeforeFlight · « **Reply #14 on:** 02/03/2017 08:25 pm »

Quote from: rmhe1999 on 02/03/2017 04:25 pm

PM for one of the GSFC / STP-H5 experiments here. We're hearing rumors of a CRS-10 slip to 2/17/17 due to Pad39a preparations. Anyone else hearing this? No information online anywhere; everything still showing 2/14/17. We've got a ton of GSFC engineers & their families traveling down for launch. Everyone is booking travel and looking for the most up-to-date intel on a launch date.

As of right now the Launch is still occuring on 2/14/17. We have seen no evidence of a delay. Chris is always good about releasing slips to the public quickly because of people's travels plans and such. So as soon as he hears different, we will know.

Lars-J · « **Reply #15 on:** 02/03/2017 08:29 pm »

What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?

RemoveBeforeFlight · « **Reply #16 on:** 02/03/2017 09:03 pm »

Quote from: Lars-J on 02/03/2017 08:29 pm

What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?

1131-1136 Local

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #17 on:** 02/03/2017 09:05 pm »

Quote from: Lars-J on 02/03/2017 08:29 pm

What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?

Launch on 2/14 is 1131-1136L local. Will be refined to instantaneous as we get closer. Seeing 1134L, with the exact second still TBD.

After that, subtract 22-26mins each day to get a rough idea. So 2/17 would be ~1022L (give or take a few minutes).

sghill · « **Reply #18 on:** 02/03/2017 09:22 pm »

Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 02/03/2017 03:34 pm

Agreed. If they're opening Playalinda for F9 from 39A, then it's clearly deemed safe. However, to be 100% certain, I'd call and ask if it really will be open before trying to head out there.

You wouldn't see it from the beach there until it's aloft. 39-A is hidden from view at the closest spots where the beach'd be open. But it is close!

Comga · « **Reply #19 on:** 02/04/2017 12:49 am »

Quote from: Jim on 02/03/2017 12:08 pm

28.532443, -80.616868

I am going to try here. Splitting the difference and it is on berm

Does being on the berm make that spot better than being closer to the landing on the causeway? (Is anyone allowed on the causeway?)

I have a friend who has base access. Should I recommend that location? (Her team's viewing location would be the Banana River Campground.)