Author Topic: STS-135 Atlantis: Viewing (Going to launch, tickets, events, landing, etc.) (Read 551371 times)

shuttlefanatic · « **Reply #100 on:** 05/25/2011 08:53 pm »

Mr. Ed: A nice comprehensive list; your distance ordering was pretty spot-on

I've annotated it with Banana Creek and distance information to Pad 39A. These were collected from topo-mapping software I have; there's a remarkable amount of mistaken impressions floating about. When I watched STS-134 from Haulover Canal, a few there were very insistent that it was as close to the pad as the Causeway.

[edited to clarify obstructions]

Quote from: LoveMrEd on 05/25/2011 05:44 pm

Here is an informally collected list of viewing opportunities, very roughly in order of distance from the pad. Not sure where Banana Creek falls in here?

-1. LCC/Press site [ 3.0 mi W ; pad visible but orbiter obstructed by RSS ]
•   Lucky Tweetup folks
0. Banana Creek [ 4.0 mi W ; pad visible but orbiter obstructed by RSS ]
•   Very-VIPs
1.   NASA Causeway [ 6.5 mi S ; orbiter visible on pad ]
•   VIP Congressional Pass (free, limited, hard, if not impossible to get)
•   Purchase from KSC site (email lottery for chance to buy up to 6)
•   Purchase package from Florida Dolphin or Gator Tours
2.   Kennedy Space Center (Visitor’s Center) [ 7.5 mi SW ; no view of pad ]
•   Purchase from KSC site (email lottery for chance to buy up to 6)
3.   Parrish Park/Max Brewer Bridge [ 11.8 mi WNW ]
4.   Astronaut Hall of Fame [ 12.2 mi SW ; no view of pad ]
•   Purchase from KSC site (email lottery for chance to buy up to 6)
5.   Titusville [ 12.2 mi W ; pad visible but orbiter obstructed by RSS ]
•   Marina Park, 501 Marina Road
•   Sand Point Park, 101 N. Washington Ave
•   Space View Park, 8 Broad Street
•   Manzo Park, 3335 S. Washington Ave (US 1, )
•   Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave (US 1),
•   Kennedy Point Park, 4915 S. Washington Ave (US 1)
•   Along Highway 1
•   Casa Coquina B&B
•   Manatee Hammock Campground
6.   Haulover Canal [ 12.6 mi NW ; ET visible on pad ]
•   Kayak, boat
7.   Port Canaveral (SR401) [ 13.0 mi S ; orbiter visible on pad ]
•   Visitors center for the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
•   Jetty Park [ 13.8 mi S ; no view of pad ]
•   Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort
8.   Cocoa Beach [ 16+ mi S ]
•   Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave.
•   Alan Shepard Park, East end of SR 520
•   Fischer Park, East side of SR A1A 1/2 mile south of SR 520
•   Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave

mdeep · « **Reply #101 on:** 05/25/2011 10:49 pm »

Since we're on the topic, here's a visual comparison between sites. I've listed focal lengths for any photographers out there looking for a point of reference. Something counter-intuitive that happens as you get physically closer is you can use a longer lens, as the level of atmospheric distortion is reduced.

Titusville (12 miles, 200mm on APS-C) [STS-124] - Clear view of pad, cannot see orbiter prior to launch.

NASA Causeway (6 miles, 600mm on APS-C w/ moderate crop) [STS-133] - Clear view of pad and the orbiter is visible. View may be obstructed in some locations along the causeway. Launch plume hides the moment of liftoff.

VIP Site / Banana Creek (3.9 miles, 420mm on APS-C w/ moderate crop) [STS-128] - Clear view of pad, cannot see orbiter prior to liftoff.

Press Site / Turn Basin (3.0 miles, 800mm on APS-H w/ slight crop) [STS-134] - Clear view of pad, cannot see orbiter prior to liftoff.

LoveMrEd · « **Reply #102 on:** 05/25/2011 11:15 pm »

Mike,

Are the ones where you say that you cannot see the orbiter due to the structure being in the way?

Ford Mustang · « **Reply #103 on:** 05/25/2011 11:21 pm »

Yep, the FSS blocks the view of the orbiter prior to liftoff - except at the causeway. Any view for STS-135 is going to be an amazing and breathtaking one. Be there if you can - for history's sake.

shuttlefanatic · « **Reply #104 on:** 05/26/2011 01:17 pm »

Quote from: NCC on 05/18/2011 05:24 am

? ... I get the feeling I'm missing the boat. Since the launch of STS-134, I've been eyeballing the NASA site watching for Causeway tickets to go on sale. And, I haven't seen that happen.

Did I miss the boat already?

Literally just got the KSC email - ticket registration online from May 30 at 9:00 a.m. ET through June 5, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. ET...

JayP · « **Reply #105 on:** 05/26/2011 02:16 pm »

Quote from: Ford Mustang on 05/25/2011 11:21 pm

Yep, the FSS blocks the view of the orbiter prior to liftoff - except at the causeway. Any view for STS-135 is going to be an amazing and breathtaking one. Be there if you can - for history's sake.

Minor point of clarification. From banana creek you can see the orbiter thru the RSS structure at least well enough to identify it. I took this photo of STS-134 at main engine ignition. 450mm effective focal length
. From that distance, you're not going to see much more detail anyway.

janmb · « **Reply #106 on:** 05/26/2011 02:38 pm »

In the mail from KSC regarding the upcoming ticket lottery, they are using NET July 8th....

Has the NET July 12th been changed already? (I know it was never an official NET or target, just a bit off normal to see dates move in that direction)

FlightOne · « **Reply #107 on:** 05/26/2011 02:46 pm »

Quote from: janmb on 05/26/2011 02:38 pm

In the mail from KSC regarding the upcoming ticket lottery, they are using NET July 8th....

Has the NET July 12th been changed already? (I know it was never an official NET or target, just a bit off normal to see dates move in that direction)

There was never a NET July 12 date, just a July 12 working date prior to the 134 launch. The official NET July 8 date was set last Thursday or Friday. See the STS-135 Press Releases thread.

janmb · « **Reply #108 on:** 05/26/2011 04:09 pm »

Quote from: FlightOne on 05/26/2011 02:46 pm

There was never a NET July 12 date, just a July 12 working date prior to the 134 launch.

I know, which is precisely why I pointed that out myself in the first place.

Seems there was some confusion about 6th vs. 8th, but 8th is official now as far as I understand.

Furner · « **Reply #109 on:** 05/26/2011 10:24 pm »

I dont know if there is alot of interest in contributing to it, but I am thinking about starting a wiki for launch viewing info because so many people seem to come seeking the same information.
Things I would like to put in it would be different viewing options, photography tips, details about logistics for different viewing options, launch windows, and so on.

I would be glad to provide the hosting and whatnot. Ill probably try to set something up tonight and post details if others want to contribute.

shuttlefanatic · « **Reply #110 on:** 05/26/2011 11:26 pm »

You meant to say:

Quote from: Furner on 05/26/2011 10:24 pm

Things I would like to put in it would be different viewing options, photography tips, details about logistics for different viewing options, launch windows, pointers to NSF, and so on.

I had suggested a one (or few) post moderated sticky thread with consolidated info for the oft-repeated questions, but I'm sure the moderators here are busy enough as it is.

In any case, I'll contribute what I can.

Furner · « **Reply #111 on:** 05/27/2011 01:31 am »

Quote from: shuttlefanatic on 05/26/2011 11:26 pm

You meant to say:
Quote from: Furner on 05/26/2011 10:24 pm
Things I would like to put in it would be different viewing options, photography tips, details about logistics for different viewing options, launch windows, pointers to NSF, and so on.

I had suggested a one (or few) post moderated sticky thread with consolidated info for the oft-repeated questions, but I'm sure the moderators here are busy enough as it is.

In any case, I'll contribute what I can.

Of course NSF will be mentioned and cited throughout.
I got the hosting, need some domain ideas.
ShuttleLaunchWiki (.com or .org)
LaunchWiki (.com or .org)
sts-135 or sts135 (.com or .org)

shuttlefanatic · « **Reply #112 on:** 05/27/2011 01:46 am »

Quote from: Furner on 05/27/2011 01:31 am

Of course NSF will be mentioned and cited throughout.
I got the hosting, need some domain ideas.
ShuttleLaunchWiki (.com or .org)
LaunchWiki (.com or .org)
sts-135 or sts135 (.com or .org)

Drifting OT, but you're about 3 years too late on sts135.com.

It looks like someone set it up with intent to "save the shuttle program"

Incidentally, trying some different ideas, someone picked up finalshuttleflight.com yesterday.

Jim · « **Reply #113 on:** 05/27/2011 02:13 am »

Quote from: Furner on 05/27/2011 01:31 am

Quote from: shuttlefanatic on 05/26/2011 11:26 pm
You meant to say:
Quote from: Furner on 05/26/2011 10:24 pm
Things I would like to put in it would be different viewing options, photography tips, details about logistics for different viewing options, launch windows, pointers to NSF, and so on.

I had suggested a one (or few) post moderated sticky thread with consolidated info for the oft-repeated questions, but I'm sure the moderators here are busy enough as it is.

In any case, I'll contribute what I can.

Of course NSF will be mentioned and cited throughout.
I got the hosting, need some domain ideas.
ShuttleLaunchWiki (.com or .org)
LaunchWiki (.com or .org)
sts-135 or sts135 (.com or .org)

Is it worth it for only one month?

Furner · « **Reply #114 on:** 05/27/2011 11:29 am »

Quote from: Jim on 05/27/2011 02:13 am

Quote from: Furner on 05/27/2011 01:31 am
Quote from: shuttlefanatic on 05/26/2011 11:26 pm
You meant to say:
Quote from: Furner on 05/26/2011 10:24 pm
Things I would like to put in it would be different viewing options, photography tips, details about logistics for different viewing options, launch windows, pointers to NSF, and so on.

I had suggested a one (or few) post moderated sticky thread with consolidated info for the oft-repeated questions, but I'm sure the moderators here are busy enough as it is.

In any case, I'll contribute what I can.

Of course NSF will be mentioned and cited throughout.
I got the hosting, need some domain ideas.
ShuttleLaunchWiki (.com or .org)
LaunchWiki (.com or .org)
sts-135 or sts135 (.com or .org)

Is it worth it for only one month?

In the week before the launch I typed the same stuff over and over again in emails, forums, facebook......
I think so.

janmb · « **Reply #115 on:** 05/27/2011 11:32 am »

The idea is great Furner, but as Jim asked, is it worth the effort setting up such a wiki now that we are talking about the last ever shuttle launch?

If anything, the wiki ought to focus on viewing unmanned launches, since that is soon to be the only remaining topic.

LoveMrEd · « **Reply #116 on:** 05/27/2011 02:52 pm »

Quote from: Furner link=topic=23562.msg747167#msg747167 [/quote

In the week before the launch I typed the same stuff over and over again in emails, forums, facebook......

Copy and paste is your friend.

Sarah · « **Reply #117 on:** 05/27/2011 04:05 pm »

Quote from: LoveMrEd on 05/27/2011 02:52 pm

Quote from: Furner link=topic=23562.msg747167#msg747167 [/quote
In the week before the launch I typed the same stuff over and over again in emails, forums, facebook......

Copy and paste is your friend.

Not to mention all the people afraid of the search button

norm103 · « **Reply #118 on:** 05/27/2011 04:39 pm »

dose anyone think ther be much of the rollout to see from the pull off sopts out by playlinda beach if roll out is tusday at 8 sun set is 830 when the park closes so will she be out of the vab to see her?

craigcocca · « **Reply #119 on:** 05/27/2011 04:41 pm »

Is there a beta angle cutout for this mission? I tried searching the forums, and also looked at SFN, Bill Harwood's site on CBS News, and NASA, but couldn't find that information anywhere. I'm mainly interested in finding out if there is a "drop-dead" date by which 135 needs to get off the ground in July.