Author Topic: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing  (Read 92357 times)

Offline russianhalo117

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Up to now, we've had had people ask for viewing locations for each CCSFS/KSC launch, but since a lot of the info is the same each time, we're going to start a general viewing thread for viewing of CCSFS/KSC launches.

Viewing locations for starters: Rocket Launch Viewing Guide for Cape Canaveral
If you are looking for VAFB launch viewing info please consult: SpaceX Falcon 9 - Vandenberg - Launch Viewing
If you are looking for Boca Chica, TX launch viewing info please consult: SpaceX Super Heavy/Starship - Boca Chica, TX - Launch Viewing
« Last Edit: 12/18/2020 09:14 pm by russianhalo117 »

I had the chance to get out to the Saturn V viewing area for the CRS-13 launch and had a great time with the large screen showing the SPACEX stream and the expert live commentary at the site before the stream started.

Something the article linked above does not cover well is the trick to see  the full landing from the Saturn V viewing area.

Section "C" gave me a great view of the landing zone between the large buildings around the VAB and was not blocked out by the trees that block the view in that direction if you are in a different section of the bleachers.

I got very lucky with the early launch getting on the first bus out of the Visitors center at around 915  and picking the right spot to sit in the bleachers.

It was exciting to see the launch live for sure. The ~10 second delay in the stream meant that the sonic booms matched up perfectly with the first stage landing on the stream.

Offline c

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #2 on: 01/25/2018 12:16 pm »
Apologies in advance if this doesn't belong here...

KSC Visitor Complex just opened Falcon Heavy launch tickets for annual pass holders. Closet viewing will be 6.25 km from the Apollo/Sat V Center.  10% discount. Not available online, you'll need to call (855) 433-4210.

Good luck.

Offline posigrade

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #3 on: 01/25/2018 02:35 pm »
Just got my Feel the Heat tickets. Took about 20 calls and hangups on hold, and 40min wait. Don't give up!

$187 for "Feel the Heat" tickets. Unclear if I had to be an annual pass holder, so you might be able to save that $100.

Best Luck.

Offline The_Ronin

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #4 on: 01/25/2018 02:59 pm »
Now available online, too.

Offline intrepidpursuit

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #5 on: 01/29/2018 01:00 am »
Has anyone watched a launch from the Victory Casino ship? $28 to go out for 5 hours and get a meal. From what I've read they go out 3 miles and there are pictures from the ship that look like a pretty good view. Even if it is a little further out then some of the other spots, you should be able to see the rocket from pad to pad unobstructed.

Thoughts?

Offline Ike17055

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #6 on: 01/29/2018 02:40 pm »
What is the public causeway Elon references? The NASA causeway apparently won’t be open, and we still have not heard about Playalinda, have we? I got my ticket for the Saturn V. CEnter viewing but have friends down there who want to know where to watch from outside the gates...

Offline Jim

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #7 on: 01/29/2018 02:57 pm »
What is the public causeway Elon references? The NASA causeway apparently won’t be open, and we still have not heard about Playalinda, have we? I got my ticket for the Saturn V. CEnter viewing but have friends down there who want to know where to watch from outside the gates...

SR-528

Offline Andrewwski

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #8 on: 01/29/2018 02:58 pm »
Probably Max Brewer bridge.  ~11 miles from the closer end.
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Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #9 on: 02/03/2018 06:04 am »
Quote
Per @NASAKennedy, @news6wkmg is told Canaveral National Seashore and Playalinda Beach will be open to the public for Tuesday's 1:30pm scheduled maiden launch of #SpaceX #FalconHeavy rocket.

https://twitter.com/news6james/status/959525795088818176

Online Jakusb

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #10 on: 02/03/2018 03:33 pm »
A nice episode on launch viewing at the Cape by everyday astronaut:

Offline Blueleader

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #11 on: 02/06/2018 08:49 pm »
My backyard was perfect, Port St. John. :) :)

Online Jakusb

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #12 on: 02/07/2018 01:04 am »
 

You will have to zoom in to see both cores with their landing burn.
View from Jetty Park!
The sonic booms were amazing. As was the sight of both cores returning!

Offline gongora

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #13 on: 02/09/2018 04:12 pm »
Cellphone video of the FH Demo takeoff from Playalinda.  Looked great through my binoculars.

Online CraigLieb

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #14 on: 02/16/2018 07:25 pm »
Given the time of the Hispat launch on Sunday 25th feb early am,
what will be open or available? Suggestions? Are the parks even open?
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Offline JohnR

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #15 on: 02/16/2018 07:40 pm »
Given the time of the Hispat launch on Sunday 25th feb early am,
what will be open or available? Suggestions? Are the parks even open?
FL 401 is probably your best bet.
https://goo.gl/maps/Yrt3JU3vw1v

Online Semmel

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #16 on: 03/03/2018 12:27 pm »
Ill be in the US in June, from the 11th to the 23rd (ish) but I am attending a conference in Texas 11-15. With a little bit of slippage (but not too much) this could work out brilliantly to be the first launch I ever see in person. I am excited about the prospect but I have little hope that it actually works out like that. Does anyone know how far in advance you need to buy flights to get a good price? I have friends in Washington State that I could also visit, but thats almost as far away from the cape as you can go in the US. I sort of need to choose between the two.

Offline gongora

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #17 on: 03/03/2018 01:40 pm »
Ill be in the US in June, from the 11th to the 23rd (ish) but I am attending a conference in Texas 11-15. With a little bit of slippage (but not too much) this could work out brilliantly to be the first launch I ever see in person. I am excited about the prospect but I have little hope that it actually works out like that. Does anyone know how far in advance you need to buy flights to get a good price? I have friends in Washington State that I could also visit, but thats almost as far away from the cape as you can go in the US. I sort of need to choose between the two.

If you have to choose before the beginning of June I'd just go visit your friends.

Offline Proponent

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #18 on: 03/03/2018 02:49 pm »
Does anyone know how far in advance you need to buy flights to get a good price?

It seems to me that fares usually increase once you're within 21 days of departure.  Stay a over Saturday night if you can (that's how the airlines separate price-conscious tourists from freer-spending business people).  I usually start with google.com/flights.

Offline Lar

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Re: SpaceX CCSFS/KSC (Florida Space Coast) - Launch Viewing
« Reply #19 on: 03/03/2018 03:36 pm »
If you're a very frequent traveler, book on miles. With Delta, you can change up to 3 days in advance at no penalty whatever (you may have to pay more miles but at least no change fees) if you are high status.

But I agree with gongora,.. if you go to FL, go with the expectation that you might miss. There are lots of other things to do there. Disney, Universal, LEGOland, KSC, and on and on and on.

Be prepared that FL in June is hot and muggy. Bring sunscreen.

General travel tips are better discussed on non launch specific threads though.   (which is why this series of posts was moved to where it is now)
« Last Edit: 03/03/2018 09:23 pm by Lar »
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