STS-135 Atlantis: Viewing (Going to launch, tickets, events, landing, etc.)

[FlightOne]

Is there a way to photograph the launch automatically? I don't take any photos because I just want to enjoy the launch. I do have a video camera recording on a tripod but I don't follow the shuttle ascent with it.

Depends on the type of camera. If you're shooting with a digital point and shoot, I'm not sure. But if you're shooting with a digital SLR, then you can buy remote controls (wired or wireless) that allow you to mount the camera on a tripod focused and zoomed onto the pad and then while you watch the launch with your eyes, just push and lock the button on the remote and let the camera fire on continuos mode or just keep pushing the button over and over in single-shot mode. You can't track the vehicle as it goes up, but you can get it as it's leaving the pad.

For STS-133, I shot with three cameras simultaneously from the Press Site. Handheld with my 100-400mm zoom for tight shots; a 70-200mm zoom on a tripod fired with a remote control cable locked on just prior to T-0 and the camera firing on continuous for a slightly wider view; and a third camera with a very wide angle fired with a radio trigger from the handheld camera (every time I took a shot with the handheld camera, a radio transmitter in the hot-shoe sent a signal to a receiver on the wide angle camera to fire a shot of it's own at the same time.)

Those three cameras, plus a fourth camera placed remotely a few hundred yards southeast of Pad A on a timer, gave me four separate perspectives on the 133 launch back in February. See below.

Thanks for the info. I just have an Olympus pocket camera which is next to worthless. I guess I'll go shopping for an SLR in case I do come down for 135. Any tips on what I should look for in camera features/lenses for causeway photography? Obviously one that I can control with a remote so I can still watch the launch.

I'm going to borrow an SLR for this weekend. Hopefully it's not too complicated to operate. It's got a lot of settings on it. I'm going to D.C. and I want to photograph Enterprise while I'm there and go see the Challenger memorial at Arlington National Cemetary.

I'm most familiar with Canon since that's what I shoot, but Nikon has a comparable camera/accessories/lens to all the Canon stuff. Both are good product lines. Everything in Canon's SLR line from the lower cost Rebel XS ($550 or so) all the way up to their pro-level $7000 1Ds offer compatible remote switches, so as long as you have a sturdy tripod it all comes down to how much you want to spend. Same for Nikon. For Canon, go to www.usa.canon.com for their product overviews. Nikon has a site at www.nikonusa.com.

All Canon and Nikon SLRS offer fully automatic modes as well as manual modes. To get the best shuttle launch photos, you'll need at least 300mm to 400mm of telephoto zoom and both Canon and Nikon make consumer-level lenses in those ranges that can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars, all the way up to pro-level lenses that cost thousands. Better lenses = better images in most cases, but even the consumer level SLR cameras and lenses will beat your pocket camera hands down.

There are a number of other threads on here about the settings to use for a shuttle launch - you'll want to avoid fully automatic settings due to the bright flame - but once you get the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO it's pretty easy. Read the manual and you'll be fine. It's not exactly "rocket science!"

I was in D.C last month as well and certainly recommend both Udvar Hazy for Enterprise and Arlington for the Challenger and Columbia memorials. The Arlington memorials are right beside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also Dick Scobee's actual grave is just to the left of the Challenger and Columbia memorial markers.

[NCC]

Is there a way to photograph the launch automatically? I don't take any photos because I just want to enjoy the launch. I do have a video camera recording on a tripod but I don't follow the shuttle ascent with it.

I guess your question has been answered already.  I just wanted to say, I don't feel so alone since reading your post.  I watched STS133 from Titusville.  Camcorder in hand and rolling at liftoff, in a matter of seconds I realized that watching the launch was just much more imortant to me than the lousy video I was going to get.  So, I hit pause, lowered the camera, and enjoyed the experience.    Lots better footage available than I could've captured.

Although, I documented STS-42 on an old VHS beast and am glad to have the recording today.  For STS-133 I did manage to get some memorable stuff from KSC in the days before the launch and the horrendous traffic afterward.  I spent almost six hours traveling 50 miles to Kissimmee afterward, LOL.

I am hoping to get a ticket for the Causeway for 135.  I guess the odds aren't in my favor though, since I don't know the procedure.  Watching for sale on NASA's web site.  I see folks here mention a lottery and getting on a email notification list ... I know nothing of either.

Showing my age here:  I witnessed the last three Moon shots.  Two from Titusville and one from Cocoa Beach.  Apollo XVII night launch was near religious.  Sorry, about going off topic.  Typical Noob.

[ShuttleShel]

Is there a way to photograph the launch automatically? I don't take any photos because I just want to enjoy the launch. I do have a video camera recording on a tripod but I don't follow the shuttle ascent with it.

I guess your question has been answered already.  I just wanted to say, I don't feel so alone since reading your post.  I watched STS133 from Titusville.  Camcorder in hand and rolling at liftoff, in a matter of seconds I realized that watching the launch was just much more imortant to me than the lousy video I was going to get.  So, I hit pause, lowered the camera, and enjoyed the experience.    Lots better footage available than I could've captured.

Although, I documented STS-42 on an old VHS beast and am glad to have the recording today.  For STS-133 I did manage to get some memorable stuff from KSC in the days before the launch and the horrendous traffic afterward.  I spent almost six hours traveling 50 miles to Kissimmee afterward, LOL.

I am hoping to get a ticket for the Causeway for 135.  I guess the odds aren't in my favor though, since I don't know the procedure.  Watching for sale on NASA's web site.  I see folks here mention a lottery and getting on a email notification list ... I know nothing of either.

Showing my age here:  I witnessed the last three Moon shots.  Two from Titusville and one from Cocoa Beach.  Apollo XVII night launch was near religious.  Sorry, about going off topic.  Typical Noob.

If you go to the KSC site there is a link to sign up for launch emails. You will get an email later that will tell you that the lottery will be open from xx date until xxdate. At that time you will follow the link to submit your name for the lottery. If you are chosen you will get a follow-up email that tells you the time to return and purchase tickets. If you are not chosen you will get a sorry email. This whole process has not started yet so go sign up for the launch update emails at the KSC site and then watch your email in the coming weeks for the opportunity to sign up for the lottery. You may get lucky!

[NCC]

Thanks ShuttleShel!  Thank you very much. 

[LoveMrEd]

Congressional passes?  Is anyone in?

I am on the "waitlist" and was trying to figure if everyone is on the waitlist for now until they figure out how many real VIPs want to attend or what?

[ShuttleShel]

Congressional passes?  Is anyone in?

I am on the "waitlist" and was trying to figure if everyone is on the waitlist for now until they figure out how many real VIPs want to attend or what?

I too am on the waitlist. I was granted congressional passes for STS-134. Had to give them up after the delayed scrub though   I first got my email from my senator's office on 3/16/11, at that time the launch was scheduled for 4/19 so just a little over a month ahead. I got the invitation in the mail with the directions on how to RSVP and the deadline for the RSVP was 3/29.  If the launch date is 7/8/11 as indicated on the processing thread then I would hope to hear something about the congressional pass anytime after June 1st.

As for the KSC sales for STS-134 they were happening right around or shortly before I heard from my Senator so I would start to watch for the lottery emails in the next couple weeks if the timeline goes as it did for STS-134.

[MadameConcorde]

I just got home across the Atlantic and down to South Europe. I am now determined to repeat the trip to see Atlantis off in July. Let's hope all will go for the better this time.

[DrGuano]

Glad to hear you made it home Madame. Andy and I wound up on the last bus with our old friend Josh. I too am planning on attending Atllantis' last flight. I will post a link to our Endeavour video on the 134 photo forum.

[Sarah]

I just got home across the Atlantic and down to South Europe. I am now determined to repeat the trip to see Atlantis off in July. Let's hope all will go for the better this time.

Doesn't take long to get hooked does it?  I'm off to see Enterprise in the morning. I got one charged camera battery and I forgot to pack the charger in my luggage.

[MadameConcorde]

Doesn't take long to get hooked does it? 

well...

unless we get "STS-136... The Return of the Space Shuttles" this will be the very last flight and our very last chance to watch a launch for real.

Terribly sad I reckon... but this is what was decided by the men "at the top".

[TheFallen]

Doesn't take long to get hooked does it? 

well...

unless we get "STS-136... The Return of the Space Shuttles" this will be the very last flight and our very last chance to watch a launch for real.

The folks at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station might feel rejected by your comment

[MadameConcorde]

The folks at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station might feel rejected by your comment

They should not be. I am planning another trip across the great wide ocean to see her off the launch pad on due date. This explains what I have just posted in the other thread.

 

[larrys]

I just found this site a few days ago, and it's fantastic!  We had causeway viewing tickets, and came to KSC to view launch of Endeavour on 4/29. However, we couldn't reschedule for May 16. 
Trying to plan for launch of Atlantis. 
How good is viewing the launch from a boat compared to the causeway viewing or other viewing sites?  The boat companies say that they are about 7 miles from the launch pad, and they are currently selling tickets to view the launch.  Thanks for any suggestions.   

[Sarah]

The folks at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station might feel rejected by your comment

They should not be. I am planning another trip across the great wide ocean to see her off the launch pad on due date. This explains what I have just posted in the other thread.

 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is where the unmanned launches take place. I would like to see a Delta launch. I would think it would be just as awesome as a shuttle launch.

[sts126]

I just found this site a few days ago, and it's fantastic!  We had causeway viewing tickets, and came to KSC to view launch of Endeavour on 4/29. However, we couldn't reschedule for May 16. 
Trying to plan for launch of Atlantis. 
How good is viewing the launch from a boat compared to the causeway viewing or other viewing sites?  The boat companies say that they are about 7 miles from the launch pad, and they are currently selling tickets to view the launch.  Thanks for any suggestions.   

view from east side of indian river is about 6-7 miles and is great spot and similar distance as causeway. the water does get shallow pretty quickly as you go east so depends on size of boat as to where they will go. If you go too far east in small boat the treeline will start to block view of pad. Great sound. and to top it off no traffic worries after launch!!

[larrys]

I just found this site a few days ago, and it's fantastic!  We had causeway viewing tickets, and came to KSC to view launch of Endeavour on 4/29. However, we couldn't reschedule for May 16. 
Trying to plan for launch of Atlantis. 
How good is viewing the launch from a boat compared to the causeway viewing or other viewing sites?  The boat companies say that they are about 7 miles from the launch pad, and they are currently selling tickets to view the launch.  Thanks for any suggestions.   

view from east side of indian river is about 6-7 miles and is great spot and similar distance as causeway. the water does get shallow pretty quickly as you go east so depends on size of boat as to where they will go. If you go too far east in small boat the treeline will start to block view of pad. Great sound. and to top it off no traffic worries after launch!!

Thanks.  I wonder if this is the area where the Orlando Princess views the launch.  Bought tickets from them to watch the launch.

[LoveMrEd]

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.   NASA Causeway
•   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)
•   Purchase from KSC site (email lottery for chance to buy up to 6)
3.   Parrish Park/Max Brewer Bridge
4.   Astronaut Hall of Fame
•   Purchase from KSC site (email lottery for chance to buy up to 6)
5.   Titusville
•   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
•   Kayak, boat
7.   Port Canaveral
•   Visitors center for the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
•   Jetty Park
•   Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort
8.   Cocoa Beach
•   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

[msc]

I think BC is a smidge (to use the technical term) closer than the causeway, and should be qualified with  *extremely lucky Congressional pass holders, or *know an astronaut, Dir. Bolden (redundant, I know) or some other similarly connected person.  ;-) 

[Walter S]

I think BC is a smidge (to use the technical term) closer than the causeway, and should be qualified with  *extremely lucky Congressional pass holders, or *know an astronaut, Dir. Bolden (redundant, I know) or some other similarly connected person.  ;-) 

Banana Creek is a good 2 1/2 + miles closer than the causeway depending where you are at.

[FlightOne]

I think BC is a smidge (to use the technical term) closer than the causeway, and should be qualified with  *extremely lucky Congressional pass holders, or *know an astronaut, Dir. Bolden (redundant, I know) or some other similarly connected person.  ;-) 

Banana Creek is a good 2 1/2 + miles closer than the causeway depending where you are at.

Banana Creek is 3.9 miles from Pad A according to info from the KSC Press Office during launches. The only spots closer to Pad A than Banana Creek are the Press Site and a NASA Employee viewing site located right beside and just in front of the Press Site. Those are just over 3 miles from the pad.