Author Topic: STS-128 Discovery: Viewing (Going to launch, etc.) (Read 62898 times)

Paul Adams · « **Reply #40 on:** 08/18/2009 10:00 pm »

I have my flight booked for Friday - I'm just wondering how much I should delay it!

smith5se · « **Reply #41 on:** 08/18/2009 10:03 pm »

Quote from: aquarius on 08/18/2009 09:48 pm

Quote from: smith5se on 08/18/2009 09:27 pm
Debating on staying in this area or Orlando which I'm fairly familar with.

So it´s like you´re conducting your own FRR before heading to Florida.

Yeah I guess you could say that LOL Now just waiting for a date to be announced.

So far it looks like things are leaning more towards Orlando though I'd rather be at the beach... but prices are sky rocketing for those locations.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #42 on:** 08/18/2009 11:32 pm »

I'm very happy that the date has been set by the FRR today. I noticed that the schedule has been officially updated by NASA to reflect this on http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

Now my party and I can finally make our flight arrangements and head on out there. I can't wait to see this night launch!!!

I have my fingers crossed that no other major issues or weather will come up.

rdale · « **Reply #43 on:** 08/18/2009 11:45 pm »

Quote from: Davidgojr on 08/18/2009 11:32 pm

I'm very happy that the date has been set by the FRR today.

Check the actual launch discussion thread - no date has been set. Whoever told you that was very wrong.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #44 on:** 08/19/2009 12:53 am »

Quote from: rdale on 08/18/2009 11:45 pm

Quote from: Davidgojr on 08/18/2009 11:32 pm
I'm very happy that the date has been set by the FRR today.

Check the actual launch discussion thread - no date has been set. Whoever told you that was very wrong.

From the official NASA twitter feed:
FRR: The tank discussion is over and everyone had the chance to offer a viewpoint. At this point, the FRR decided we're ok to fly as is.about 3 hours ago from web
FRR: The Flight Readiness Review discussion has ended for today and will resume at 7:30 am EDT Wednesday. Launch target Aug. 25 at 1:36 am.about 3 hours ago from web

NASA has also updated their official site to reflect this change. I realize that the FRR hasn't concluded yet but it appears that there is a very strong expectation that this date will be launch date at this point.

rdale · « **Reply #45 on:** 08/19/2009 01:01 am »

Yes there is that expection, but you said the FRR set a date and that is not at all correct. The one-day pushback has been known here at NSF for a while due to delays over the weekend, again I suggest you read the actual discussion thread instead of the viewing thread.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #46 on:** 08/19/2009 01:53 am »

Quote from: rdale on 08/19/2009 01:01 am

Yes there is that expection, but you said the FRR set a date and that is not at all correct. The one-day pushback has been known here at NSF for a while due to delays over the weekend, again I suggest you read the actual discussion thread instead of the viewing thread.

I've been following that thread as well as the threads on L2 and have been aware of the possibility of one day push back for some time. The NASA PAO worded the tweets in a way suggesting that the FRR was the reason for the official date had been shifted.

Up until the posts I already quoted, the official NASA twitter feed gave the last update on the launch status as going up on the 24th:
@SimonGa As of now, STS-128 launch is targeted for August 24 at 1:58 am EDT. The official date will be set by today's FRR.about 13 hours ago from web in reply to SimonGa

The twitter post indicating the change began with FRR:
From the official NASA twitter feed:
FRR: The tank discussion is over and everyone had the chance to offer a viewpoint. At this point, the FRR decided we're ok to fly as is.about 3 hours ago from web
FRR: The Flight Readiness Review discussion has ended for today and will resume at 7:30 am EDT Wednesday. Launch target Aug. 25 at 1:36 am.about 3 hours ago from web

If you want to have a go at someone for posting misleading information, I suggest you write to the PAO who indicated the information contained in that post was a result of the FRR.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #47 on:** 08/19/2009 02:32 am »

Back on topic: I will be driving to Titusville from Tampa to meet up with the bus that will take me onto KSC grounds for the launch. How bad is the traffic usually for such night launches?

smith5se · « **Reply #48 on:** 08/19/2009 07:29 pm »

This is going to sound dumb but being that I'm under the age of 25 I am having trouble obtaining a rental car for my vacation that is within my budget. I was just wondering if I am unable to get a car if someone could maybe help me get to KSC for the launch.

Far fetched I know but it's getting down to the wire and I'm worried I will not be able to find a car for reasonable costs.

EDIT: Problem solved!!!

And adding in that I may have a spare ticket to the launch if anyone is interested. A friend of mine may not be able to go any longer.

EDIT: And... spare ticket is gone...

Paul Adams · « **Reply #49 on:** 08/19/2009 08:41 pm »

Does anyone know if Playalina Beach will be open on Sautrday, or if there is any way I can find out?

I would like to get a view of the shuttle if it is open.

Thanks,

Paul

astrobrian · « **Reply #50 on:** 08/19/2009 08:53 pm »

I think IIRC per the rules Saturday may be the last day before they close the beach for viewing. Usually somewhere around L-2 or 3 that they shut it down to visitors

kermit · « **Reply #51 on:** 08/19/2009 09:07 pm »

Quote from: Paul Adams on 08/19/2009 08:41 pm

Does anyone know if Playalina Beach will be open on Sautrday, or if there is any way I can find out?

I would like to get a view of the shuttle if it is open.

Thanks,

Paul

According to the Wildlife Refuge Website they close 3 days before launch. Their # is 321-861-0667, if you would like to confirm.

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #52 on:** 08/19/2009 10:39 pm »

Quote from: Paul Adams on 08/19/2009 08:41 pm

Does anyone know if Playalina Beach will be open on Sautrday, or if there is any way I can find out?

I would like to get a view of the shuttle if it is open.

Thanks,

Paul

It will be closed and you will able to seen nothing but the ET and SRBs.

LSenus · « **Reply #53 on:** 08/20/2009 03:27 pm »

Here's some info from our STS-125 launch trip:

Pre-Launch viewing:

Playalinda beach will be closed 3 days prior to the launch.
Space View Park in Titusville is the best place to view the pads from. It's 12+ miles from the pads, but a direct line of sight. Make sure you have a BIG lens for your camera. 400mm or longer is highly recommended, with a sturdy tripod. Lenses are available for rent from many companies on the internet.
We had a group of NSF folks meet in Titusville for dinner at Dixie Crossroads restaurant.

Day of launch:
Find out for sure where your viewing point is. (Causeway, Saturn 5 center, KSC visitor ctr., etc.)
When we were down for STS-125, we had causeway tix through Gator tours. This was a bus pickup in Orlando to the KSC visitor center. If you are bringing folding chairs, soft sided coolers, etc, put them in the cargo hold of the bus.

Once arriving at KSC Visitor Center you will have to clear through a security screening in order to enter the visitor complex.
Most likely, you will have some time to tour the attractions. I recommend doing the Shuttle Launch Experience as soon as you arrive to help avoid long lines and to make sure you can get back on your bus in time.

While you are touring the visitor center, the bus you arrived on will go through a security screening to check for weapons, explosives, etc. We were able to leave items on the bus and they were there waiting for us. If you are bringing folding chairs, small coolers etc. put them in the cargo hold of the bus. They will be inspected, and if safe, allowed to remain on the bus for the trip to the causeway. Once the bus is cleared it will be directed to a secure parking area to await your return.

The line to get back on your bus for transport to the causeway is the same lines they use for the KSC "Then & Now" and "Up Close" tours. There was little in the way of signage or directions to inform you of this. Take my word, you will be able to get on the same bus you arrived on.

Recommended items to bring:
-Camera gear (Lots of it) I borrowed another D-SLR body from a friend so that I was able to have multiple lenses operating at the same time.
- 3G enabled device - To get to NSF of Course!
-Umbrella type folding chairs - NOT metal folding lawn chairs
-Soft side cooler to hold drinks, cold sandwiches. ### ITEM TO NOTE ### Hot dogs and drinks were available on the causeway, but 45 minutes in line for a limit of 6 waters in 97 degree hot sun was not fun. ### Depending on the time of the launch, concessions may not be provided on the causeway. ###
-Sunscreen
-Small folding umbrella for shade.
-Small folding shade shelter - these generally sell for about $25-30 and are the small folding type you would typically see on the beach. No more than 40" or so in height.
-Hand towels from the hotel - It's hot, you're going to sweat. Plus they can be used to cover your camera gear to help keep it cool to avoid heat distortion of the focal elements.

Post-Launch Activities:

Playalinda beach will be open 1-2 days after the launch.
From the parking area at Playalinda beach to the KSC fence on the beach is approximately 1 mile.
The "Then & Now" and "Up Close" tours were running 2 days after the launch.

sts126 · « **Reply #54 on:** 08/22/2009 04:54 am »

anyone have a good feel for if it is worth taking the extra tour at ksc "nasa up close" on monday ie about 15hours before launch.. I know they fuel about 10-12hours prior can't image ksc buses get any where near shutle but how about the rest? vis center always kind of vague they say it either runs or doesn't and that is about all they can say.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #55 on:** 08/22/2009 05:30 am »

Quote from: sts126 on 08/22/2009 04:54 am

anyone have a good feel for if it is worth taking the extra tour at ksc "nasa up close" on monday ie about 15hours before launch.. I know they fuel about 10-12hours prior can't image ksc buses get any where near shutle but how about the rest? vis center always kind of vague they say it either runs or doesn't and that is about all they can say.

I know that they usually stop offering the tour 24 hours before the launch. To be safe, I would call KSC visitors center to find out.

sts126 · « **Reply #56 on:** 08/23/2009 07:00 am »

anyone know if there is much ambient light at either nasa causeway or at banana creek for night launches from street lights etc. curious as I come from light polluted area would nice to do some star gazing while waiting for launch of 128.

Bubbinski · « **Reply #57 on:** 08/23/2009 07:24 am »

I don't know about the causeway at night, but when I watched STS-104 from the astronaut hall of fame (AHOF) there was definitely some light there, I don't think I would have had too good a time observing deep space objects with a telescope.

mceddiemac · « **Reply #58 on:** 08/23/2009 12:57 pm »

Quote from: sts126 on 08/23/2009 07:00 am

anyone know if there is much ambient light at either nasa causeway or at banana creek for night launches from street lights etc. curious as I come from light polluted area would nice to do some star gazing while waiting for launch of 128.

I know at the causeway site they had light stands in the viewing area for STS-126 & STS-123. Primarily for safety. IIRC they kept them on throughout the count and launch. Not sure about the Banana Creek viewing site.

Davidgojr · « **Reply #59 on:** 08/23/2009 02:28 pm »

I've seen some videos on youtube from Banana Creek where they have lights on until after the national anthem. They then switch them off for the launch. I don't know for sure if this is still the case nowadays. I'm looking forward to the launch from Banana Creek! I'll report my findings back on the site later.