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We just flew back to Connecticut after watching STS 120 Discovery. What an AWSOME sight. We were at the KSC Visitor Complex over at the booster/main tank display. The problem was that my wife, 2 kids and I had staked out a nice spot 2 hours before the launch. We were at the end of the sidewalk with about 3' of mulch & bushes between us & a low fence. With 20 seconds to go, four guys with big cameras jumped in front of us & set up shop. There was nowhere for us to go. My kids (son 5 and daughter 3) were very upset that they couldnt see their first launch very well (I was angry as hell).
I have decided to bite the bullet & spend the money to go back down for STS 122 & try to do something different.
Age old question: Where should I take them?
I just tried KSC to get causeway tickets but they are sold out. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
David
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QUOTE...Where should I take them?
Titusville offers a very clear view of shuttle launches..and unlike the KSC Visitor Center, you'll be able to see it as it sits on the pad.
Photo below as seen from Titusville, is of STS-118 Endeavour launch on August 8, 2007.
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A rundown on viewing the shuttle:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
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TJL - 25/10/2007 3:30 PM
Where in Titusville was that?
Definitely read Ben's article...it is probably the most helpful information you'll find about viewing.
Titusville seems to be the place to go. That's where I went during 118 and the view was almost the exact same as in that picture. You can see the initial plume of smoke build up around the pad before the vehicle rises above it if you're using binoculars.
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Photo was taken at the Clarion (used to be Holiday Inn) next to Kennedy Point Park.
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Sand Point Park or any place along the 402 causeway (aka Garden Street which becomes Max Brewer Memorial Parkway) located on the north end of Titusville. This place offers a great viewing oportunity as you get an unobstructed view of the vehicle through the entire duration of SRB flight and for some time after the SRBs separate. The important thing about this viewing site is that the plume from the SRBs doesn't obscure your view of the shuttle as it can when you're south of KSC in Titusville because the vehicle turns and heads northeast from KSC. If you want more information, just PM me. Also, there's a group of amature radio operators who broadcast NASA TV starting about 3 to 2 hours before launch. They're normally located over the draw bridge on the causeway.
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My son and I stayed at the Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) in Titusville during the week of STS-120 Launch. Based upon that stay I would strongly suggest that you NOT stay at this hotel. Aside from the fact that the view of Launch Complex 39 is fantasic, the hotel simply is lacking in basic services. I personally think that the hotel bases all of its' fame upon its' closeness to the Kennedy Space Center and therefore isn't required to ensure that it's services are competitive with other hotels.
This is not an attempt to "bash" the hotel more than it is an effort to make sure people that choose to stay there make an informed decision.
Problems that we encountered during our stay:
1. Room not cleaned until we called the front desk to have it cleaned.
2. We would leave the room no later than 7:15am, return approximately 4pm and the room still wouldnt be cleaned or made up.
3. Shower curtains dirty and moldy.
4. Soap left in shower from previous guest, stayed in shower throughout our five day stay despite our repeated request for the room to be cleaned.
5. "High Speed Internet" was transfering data at a rate slower than dial up speeds. We were told that the problem was the fact that the hotel room was FULL due to the launch. However, the day after the launch, the hotel was virtually empty and the speeds did not increase.
6. The continental breakfast did not start until 8am. We were every morning before 7:15am. The day of the launch we had to leave the room by 6:15.
Again, this isn't intending to be bashing, I just wish to express my experiences with the hotel.
I was totally amazed with the view of the VAB from the hotel room. I will try to attach a picture to this posting.
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Yes...that's nice that they do that. The restaurant we were at had a pair of rabbit ears on a bigscreen TV and was getting a nice picture of NASA TV.
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Try to request tickets from you senator/congressman for vip tickets. After your Senator/Congressman makes the request to NASA and if NASA approves the request, you would receive an Inviation.
My son and I went to STS-120 launch via as a Congressional VIP. We were taken to NASA Causeway viewing site (the same as if you had bought the LTT Tickets from the KSC Visitors Center).
The VIP Tickets are "plain jane" meaning all you get is transportation to the NASA Causeway, watch the launch and then they take you back to your car at the mall you were assigned to. However, it was a wonderful experience that my son and I very much enjoyed.
Attached are zoomed pics of Discovery on the launch pad from the NASA Causeway viewing area.
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Sorry, I must of missed an earlier post that stated that you were staying there. I wouldn't recommend the place
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I avoid Titusville and have be partial to the the Beeline and the port
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Jim - 3/11/2007 9:09 PM
Sorry, I must of missed an earlier post that stated that you were staying there. I wouldn't recommend the place
I definately wish I had known what I was in for. I just wanted to make sure anyone checking this hotel out knows as much as possible.
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Jim..isn't the view and sound better at Titusville (than Beeline or Port Canaveral) for shuttle launches?
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Totally agree with Ray, the VIP spot is the best and get your congress critter to help. Also, at the same time tell them that you support NASA and their budget and the return to the Moon.
It helps
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TJL - 3/11/2007 9:46 PM
isn't the view and sound better at Titusville (than Beeline or Port Canaveral) for shuttle launches?
Yes, it is a bit closer. For those traveling to view, Titusville is the closest free (off-site) viewing location and you should go here. For locals, to each their own after so many years :-)
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hi thinking about going to see 125 from uk can anyone recomend a hotel looking for internet and nasa tv on tv
thanks
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If you must stay in Titusville, then the following hotel is probably about as good as it gets there.
http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=TIXFLHX
I travel a lot and almost always find the Hampton Inns to be clean, with good beds, fast internet, on-time breakfasts, etc. No affiliation, BTW. I like Mariott Courtyards when I can find them too.
I suspect that you would have to go to the beaches, to Orlando, or to Melbourne to do better.
- Ed Kyle
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Ray Todd - 3/11/2007 8:09 P
Try to request tickets from you senator/congressman for vip tickets. After your Senator/Congressman makes the request to NASA and if NASA approves the request, you would receive an Inviation
How far ahead did you write to your congressman and the turn around time for the pass to be received?
I written back in September and again in October. Presently nadda
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I had requested tickets approximately Mid August 2007. Along the way, I was kept advised by my Congressman's office what was happening, such as they submitted the paperwork to NASA, NASA Received the paperwork, etc.
We were notified by my Congressman's Office that NASA had approved my VIP tickets on October 12, 2007. We received the inviation in the mail on October 16th from NASA with instructions on when and where to show up.
Ray.
Ray Todd - 3/11/2007 8:09 P
Try to request tickets from you senator/congressman for vip tickets. After your Senator/Congressman makes the request to NASA and if NASA approves the request, you would receive an Inviation
lunarrv15 - 6/11/2007 11:13 AM
How far ahead did you write to your congressman and the turn around time for the pass to be received?
I written back in September and again in October. Presently nadda
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I was a VIP for STS-85, 92, and 105.
The first time I wrote my Congressman and he handled it - I remember the invitation came very close to the launch, like a week before or so.
The same with the second - I guess they like to wait until nearer the time to get their guestlists LOL
The last one I wrote directly to Dan Goldin and he sent me a couple, which was VERY nice of him. I basically told my Congressman, and Mr. Goldin, that I was an avid supporter of the space program and it would mean a great deal, etc.
If you're able to attend the landing.. DO IT. I was lucky enough to have runway passes for STS-85 and it's truly an experience I'll NEVER forget - that approach, circle around the HAC, and that DROP out of the sky are 1000x more impressive in person that on tv - trust me.
I would've seen STS-92 land, but the wind had other thoughts and they went to Edwards. I was not able to get them for STS-105 and of course they returned to KSC.. LOL oh well - I hope to go once more before the end.
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Wooo Hooo! I will have passes for 122 within four days. The congressperson assistant email they have the pass
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Can Congressmen give out landing passes too then?
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I sent an email to my congressmen. Thanks for the heads up guys...i guess all i can do is wait! Hopefully ill at least hear something soon.
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WooOOHooOO!
Just received confirmation that my invitations are on the way!! GO ATLANTIS!!!!!!!!!!
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phardacre - 4/11/2007 8:48 PM
hi thinking about going to see 125 from uk can anyone recomend a hotel looking for internet and nasa tv on tv
thanks
Yeah, me and my family want to see the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Launch. We want to know when tickets for 125 go on sale, and where to stay for the night.
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As far as STS-125, that won't be for a good few months yet. Launch isn't until the summer and there's STS-122, 123, 124 to come yet.
(Line edit: Can't be bothered).
As far as good hotels and booking advice, it's right in front of you on the right hand side of the page.
Flights, Hotels & Cruises: 1-877-291-0068 - ring that number. Larry IS a shuttle fan and thus will be able to help more than some faceless screen, or someone saying "they still launch shuttles, and from Florida??" as one person noted a few years ago about STS-114 hotels.
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Yeah, but for STS-122, 123, and 124 I'll be in school, so the best for me is 125.
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You asked when tickets go on sale. I answered by saying there's three missions before they will start selling them.
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make reservation three months ahead if possible on a definite trip. I am presently watching the hotel priceing and they are increasing as the day near for shuttle launches.
make reservation on that hotel websit for a better price. Prices are not cheaper by going through htoel.com or priceline.com or travelvelocity.com
you do not mind driving 20 additional miles for a stay...Cocoa,FL ,which just south from Titusville is the next hunt, however they are also increasing prices as the launch nears.
there is a new hotel opening after 2008 in titusville by I-95 and Cheny(sp) name Fairfield INN. Room price presently is $135
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Andrewwski - 8/11/2007 9:07 PM
Can Congressmen give out landing passes too then?
If by chance you are touring KSC museum and on the gantry grounds and a shuttle is schedule to land within the hour, you can view the landing from the gantry.
I was there when STS-95 return. Heard the news on there information radio recording as I was driving to the place that they were allowing people on the grounds to view the landing.
Almost viewed a second landing that was schedule near mid-noon but was oborted for the cross winds above acceptance so the shuttle landed at Edwards
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Does anybody know where I can send these requests, I agree with Chris STS-125 is TOO far off, so I changed to 124.
Anybody have the link to a senator for 3 VIP tickets
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lunarrv15 - 11/11/2007 1:42 PM
Andrewwski - 8/11/2007 9:07 PM
Can Congressmen give out landing passes too then?
If by chance you are touring KSC museum and on the gantry grounds and a shuttle is schedule to land within the hour, you can view the landing from the gantry.
I was there when STS-95 return. Heard the news on there information radio recording as I was driving to the place that they were allowing people on the grounds to view the landing.
Almost viewed a second landing that was schedule near mid-noon but was oborted for the cross winds above acceptance so the shuttle landed at Edwards
Where is the gantry? Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry?
I can definitely plan it out that way. But it'd also be nice if Congressmen could give out passes.
Anyway, is about 3-4 months in advance a good time frame to request them, or should one wait longer? I'm thinking about the STS-125 launch, so I thought I'd write after STS-124 launches. I assume good old snail mail is better than email?
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Andrewwski - 11/11/2007 5:58 PM
Where is the gantry? Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry?
I'm not for sure that the observation gantry is used any longer? When we were there taking tours 10/24-25, we passed by it several times and each time it was empty and looked unused.
None of the tours we took stopped there either. Back in 1999 (the last time I my family and I was there), it was a stop on the 'free' tour.
Ray.
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apollo13 - 11/11/2007 5:51 PM
Does anybody know where I can send these requests, I agree with Chris STS-125 is TOO far off, so I changed to 124.
Anybody have the link to a senator for 3 VIP tickets
You just need to contact your Senator and/or Congressman and make your request. Although I would suggest contacting one of them as soon as possible.
Ray Todd
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I live in FLorida, so I'm sure to ask BIll nelson, he has flying expierience with NASA!
Thanks Ray!
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Ray Todd - 11/11/2007 6:35 PM
Andrewwski - 11/11/2007 5:58 PM
Where is the gantry? Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry?
I'm not for sure that the observation gantry is used any longer? When we were there taking tours 10/24-25, we passed by it several times and each time it was empty and looked unused.
None of the tours we took stopped there either. Back in 1999 (the last time I my family and I was there), it was a stop on the 'free' tour.
Ray.
Hmm...they used it when I was there two years ago or so. Maybe it is because it was immediately after the launch that it wasn't used.
Anyway...what gantry is being referred to?
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Ray Todd - 11/11/2007 6:44 PM
You just need to contact your Senator and/or Congressman and make your request. Although I would suggest contacting one of them as soon as possible.
Ray Todd
Just reading through this thread and I have to say I had never heard of being able to contact your senator/congressman to request passes for a launch before. What exactly do you guys say to them? I mean, they must get a lot of requests for this stuff. Other than saying I'm a huge fan of the space program etc., what do you do?
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Andrewwski - 11/11/2007 6:53 PM
Hmm...they used it when I was there two years ago or so. Maybe it is because it was immediately after the launch that it wasn't used.
Anyway...what gantry is being referred to?
You know, that may be entirely possible. However, it just looked empty, there were no picnic tables or seating available at the bottom. In fact, I couldn't see the SSME that was on display at the top. However, it was kind of cloudy and the top level was kind of dark with no lights on.
Ray.
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el_nino - 11/11/2007 6:57 PM
I mean, they must get a lot of requests for this stuff. Other than saying I'm a huge fan of the space program etc., what do you do?
All I did was ask my Congressman for VIP tickets for me and my son. His office did all of the work from that point.
Ray Todd
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Ray Todd - 11/11/2007 7:02 PM
el_nino - 11/11/2007 6:57 PM
I mean, they must get a lot of requests for this stuff. Other than saying I'm a huge fan of the space program etc., what do you do?
All I did was ask my Congressman for VIP tickets for me and my son. His office did all of the work from that point.
Ray Todd
First I gotta get my dad to get permission first from my school..we were supposed to see 125 in the summer, we were not planning for 124.
After I get permission I will mail the letter..e-mail or normal mail?
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apollo13 - 11/11/2007 7:09 PM
I will mail the letter..e-mail or normal mail?
My request was via Email.
Ray.
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Anybody know the congreesmen for Orange Country, Florida, Orlando?
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apollo13 - 11/11/2007 7:30 PM
Anybody know the congreesmen for Orange Country, Florida, Orlando?
This is what I was found. You could verify this by looking in the Phone Book under U.S. Government...
Representative Ric Keller - U.S. House
District 8 (Republican)
Senator Melquiades Rafael 'Mel' Martinez - U.S. Senate
Junior Seat (Republican)
Senator Bill Nelson - U.S. Senate
Senior Seat (Democrat)
Ray.
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Thanks for all the help!
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"Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry"
yes.
So its not being used now as part of the general bus tour?
Is there anyone living in Titusville on here? wondering if the Space View park allow people on the grounds at night like between 6pm to 11pm for photos of the shuttle on the pad across the waters and is it safe to out at night there?
Besides the Saturn tour stop, what other stops are there?
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lunarrv15 - 12/11/2007 12:18 PM
"Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry"
yes.
So its not being used now as part of the general bus tour?
Besides the Saturn tour stop, what other stops are there?
It wasn't when I was there the week of STS-120 launch. But, as was pointed out to me (on this forum), it may have been removed from the tour stop due to post launch pad work?
Ray.
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lunarrv15 - 12/11/2007 12:18 PM
"Do you mean the LC-39 observation gantry"
yes.
So its not being used now as part of the general bus tour?
Is there anyone living in Titusville on here? wondering if the Space View park allow people on the grounds at night like between 6pm to 11pm for photos of the shuttle on the pad across the waters and is it safe to out at night there?
Besides the Saturn tour stop, what other stops are there?
Quite a few places along US1 in Titusville allow you to see straight across to the pad.
However, you won't see much of the vehicle, as the [retracted] RSS is in the way.
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According to the KSC Visitors site, kennedyspacecenter.com, the general tour stops at the gantry, Saturn V complex, and ISS center. The Up Close tour takes you closer to the pads (if permitted on that day), SLF, and a stop at the VAB to see the crawlers. The Historical Tour takes you to the Air Force Missile Museum, and some historical pads. Last time I was there the ISS Center was in the up close tour, apparently it's been moved to the general one.
If you're planning on doing any more than the general tour, I'd reccomend spending two days. The Visitors Center admission tickets are good for two consecutive days.
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If you want to take photos of the shuttle on the pad the night before launch, you'll need a camera with a powerful lens, and the best place to do this would be from Port Canaveral just west of CCAFS Gate 1. From that perspective you could actually see the shuttle unlike Titusville, where the pad structure blocks the vehicle.
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Andrewwski - 12/11/2007 5:15 PM
According to the KSC Visitors site, kennedyspacecenter.com, the general tour stops at the gantry, Saturn V complex, and ISS center. The Up Close tour takes you closer to the pads (if permitted on that day), SLF, and a stop at the VAB to see the crawlers. The Historical Tour takes you to the Air Force Missile Museum, and some historical pads. Last time I was there the ISS Center was in the up close tour, apparently it's been moved to the general one.
If you're planning on doing any more than the general tour, I'd reccomend spending two days. The Visitors Center admission tickets are good for two consecutive days.
My son and I took the Cape Canaveral Then and Now Tour and the NASA Up Close Tour. Both tours were excellent. THe NASA Up Close Tour we were taken out to the camera pad about a mile from 39A and 39B. Great tour. The ISS Center was part of the general "free" tour.
We were not allowed to take the Then and Now Tour and the NASA Close Up Tour in the same day. I strongly agree with you to take advantage spreading your visit over a couple of days. Just too much too see. The good thing about these tours is that you are actually paying for seats on the bus which are limited, so there isn't much of waiting in line for the bus.
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I just sent a messege last nght for a ticket request to a senator of Florida, and I will get a writting response in the mail, will I get the tickets in the mail, anytime soon?
Yes, why?
No, why?
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apollo13 - 12/11/2007 7:45 PM
I just sent a messege last nght for a ticket request to a senator of Florida, and I will get a writting response in the mail, will I get the tickets in the mail, anytime soon?
Yes, why?
No, why?
I e-mailed my request and included all of my contact information. I received a response within two days confirming my request. Two weeks later they e-mailed back & said that NASA had approved my request and that I would be receiving the invitation in the mail, approximately three weeks before the launch.
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I almost forgot
They prefer e-mail. I understand that ever since that anthrax scare a few years ago, e-mail is much quicker with government officials.
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i just got this...
"we will work to make it happen.
Senator Bennett"
Thats all so far, but better than nothing. Im hoping for the best!
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sounds positive. They are going to expeditie it through. maybe down to the last day of hearing somethin. Be prepare for quick packing
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I received my invitation today!!!!!!!!!!
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The LC39 observation gantry, at the point where the crawlerway splits, its still used on the general KSC bus tour. I went back to KSC on Monday Oct 29th to do the tour and it did stop there, and the SSME is still mounted there. It makes perfect sense that they wouldn't bring tourists there within a few days after the launch. I was there 6 days later. I wish I would of had time to do the NASA Up Close and the CC Then and Now, but a honeymoon is for more than just on-the-ground space tourism.
-Jim
Ray Todd - 12/11/2007 5:39 PM
Andrewwski - 12/11/2007 5:15 PM
According to the KSC Visitors site, kennedyspacecenter.com, the general tour stops at the gantry, Saturn V complex, and ISS center. The Up Close tour takes you closer to the pads (if permitted on that day), SLF, and a stop at the VAB to see the crawlers. The Historical Tour takes you to the Air Force Missile Museum, and some historical pads. Last time I was there the ISS Center was in the up close tour, apparently it's been moved to the general one.
If you're planning on doing any more than the general tour, I'd reccomend spending two days. The Visitors Center admission tickets are good for two consecutive days.
My son and I took the Cape Canaveral Then and Now Tour and the NASA Up Close Tour. Both tours were excellent. THe NASA Up Close Tour we were taken out to the camera pad about a mile from 39A and 39B. Great tour. The ISS Center was part of the general "free" tour.
We were not allowed to take the Then and Now Tour and the NASA Close Up Tour in the same day. I strongly agree with you to take advantage spreading your visit over a couple of days. Just too much too see. The good thing about these tours is that you are actually paying for seats on the bus which are limited, so there isn't much of waiting in line for the bus.
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I sent something a week ago and no response....
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I got a response from both senators and the congressmen. It appears all the VIP tickets are sold out/filled. game over :(
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This late in the game, it's surprising; it's hard to plan ahead since the launch schedule is far from set in stone, but you really have to pick a flight, then stick with it. So if you choose another upcoming flight, just keep checking all the info here all the time, and nearer the time, buy your plane tickets - remember, you can always use 'old' airline tickets for a change-fee.
It's definiltey worth it, is all I can say!
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I just called the senator's office, (Orlando, where I live) Mel Martinez, one of his secretaries asked how many tickets, I told him 4, he said, give me the people who will attend, an email, and a phone number. I gave him that, I told him the STS-124 launch, and he told mehe will contact me when the launch date gets closer. w00t!
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apollo13 - 19/11/2007 2:56 PM
I just called the senator's office, (Orlando, where I live) Mel Martinez, one of his secretaries asked how many tickets, I told him 4, he said, give me the people who will attend, an email, and a phone number. I gave him that, I told him the STS-124 launch, and he told mehe will contact me when the launch date gets closer. w00t!
Yea i got the OK for a future launch. Since i live kinda close and am dedicated, i think ill try and make the trip for STS-124. Its kinda a shame though because I will be in the Orlando area December 6th through that Sunday. Ill still try to get into Kennedy fot STS-122, even though it is not the causeway.
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You're better in Titusville than at the Visitor's Center.
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Does anyone want to give me a google/google earth/mapquest address to go and watch? Im not from the area and specifics would really help in my planning.
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here's the city of Titusville home web page. on the right menu they have a link for for shuttle viewing. click this and it will list seven location in titusville. A map of each location can be printed out.
http://www.titusville.com/index.asp
this is all text direction from a person on CollectSpace for location of viewing.
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whoops! fingers and brain aren't ensenic http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
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I read on KSC visitor page for touring the grounds of what not to bring.
I would like to bring a few 20 oz plastic bottle of drinks and sealed wrap small food packages stored inside a hand carry cooler lining container. Would this be allow? more suitable would be the ones who view the launches regularly.
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lunarrv15 - 20/11/2007 12:52 PM
here's the city of Titusville home web page. on the right menu they have a link for for shuttle viewing. click this and it will list seven location in titusville. A map of each location can be printed out.
http://www.titusville.com/index.asp
this is all text direction from a person on CollectSpace for location of viewing.
Of these seven does anyone have any suggestions? From looking at the list it appears that Space View Park, Kennedy Point Park, and Municipal Marina all have a nice close view. Which park will get me as close as possible? Which park (if any) will not get me stuck in traffic to the point it will take me 5 hours to get to Orlando (thanks, STS-118)?
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The difference in distance between all those locations in Titusville is pretty much insignificant unless you go so far south you're going away from the pads.
Space View park is crazy (too many people) and will certainly get you stuck in traffic.
Matter of fact, everywhere else in Titusville was crammed too. We had a GPS in the car and navigated through side streets, and managed to get out onto I-95 within 30 minutes. You might want to print out some detailed maps of Titusville, as US1 doesn't even seem to move.
We weren't going back to Orlando, but I'd assume the Beeline was packed too. You might want to find a different way back.
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I went to Space View Park for STS-120 = lots of people but it wasn't really that bad as far as traffic goes - probably about an hour to get to I-95..
That's really the best view so it's worth it. Nothing obstructing your view and you'll hear a good rumble too :)
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Lots of places elsewhere in Titusville have a nice view too. Pretty much any place on the water, it seems. A lot of places will charge you $10 or so per car, but in my experience, it was worth it to escape the commotion. Yes, it was still crowded where I was, but not terrible.
It was nice to have space to set up a few lawn chairs and a table, along with a beach umbrella (August in Florida is hot!) to relax by before launch. It was also a restaurant's parking lot, so we could go in the restaurant at any time (half my family got a table and sat there for three hours) for food, bathrooms, or to simply cool off.
We went up there on A1A (Hutchinson Island) into Cocoa, and there was barely any traffic at all four hours prior to launch until we got right into Titusville. Getting home we were going to try and go that way but all routes towards 528 were packed. We zipped accross to I-95, and there was no stop-and-go traffic from that point forward.
We watched from a place called Paul's Smokehouse (3665 S Washington Ave, according to Google Earth). It was $10 to park there but the place and view was fantastic. Many other riverside properties were charging a small fee to park there and watch alongside the river.
Then there were people who were climbing through the woods to be on the edge of the river...sounds fine if you don't have a problem with snakes or alligators. ;)
Either way, once she takes off, it's impossible to miss.
Here's a picture of the launch from our viewing point - not zoomed, so this is actually what it looks like when you're there. It was a bit hazy that day.
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for those who have view launchs with passes from their congressperson. Would like to verify information. On the instructions it say meet at Meritt Shopping Center. Is this the same as Meritt Square Shopping Mall/Center on route 520 and the meeting place?
I have a map of Meritt Island and there is another Meritt Crossing Shopping Center on Route 3
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Hi guys, it's official, after 26 years of following the program I'm finally going to see my first launch. I will be extremely close :)
I have a few questions for you veterans:
1. Alas, my wife won't have the close access that I will, so I'm going to send her to one of the places mentioned here and on Ben's page. I may buy a ticket for her to go to the KSC Visitor's Center and watch from there. If I read the KSC launch FAQ correctly, it says that she will continue to be able to get in if the launch is delayed, as long as it's still in that early Dec window. Correct? She can get in on delayed launch days on the same ticket?
2. Does the Up-Close tour run on launch day? I understand that we wouldn't get close to the pads, but does the rest of it run?
3. What happens if I buy tickets for an Up-Close tour on a day that BECOMES a launch day due to delays? Do I get a rain check?
4. Does the Up-Close tour have phased start times? Or is there just one daily run of it? Obviously I do not want to be stuck in the tour come 4:30pm, if I decide to do it on launch day.
5. I'm not driving down (from Atlanta) until December 5th at the earliest. I will be watching the launch status closely for delays, and if it gets delayed early in the count (or even before the count starts next Monday) then I will delay my drive down accordingly. All to say that I don't want to buy the Up-Close tickets until I have to. When do the Up-Close tour tickets usually sell out?
Thanks!
[Q3 revised to be more relevant]
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No Up Close tour...matter of fact no bus tours at all...on launch day.
If you're getting it for a non-launch day, I'd reccomend getting them at least a day or two ahead of time, as they sell out soon after the Visitor's Center opens (actually, they may sell out a lot earlier when there's extra people around because of the proximity to the launch, so you may want to get them even earlier).
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Andrewwski - 26/11/2007 7:34 PM
No Up Close tour...matter of fact no bus tours at all...on launch day.
I was able to take the tour bus on launch day, it just completely skipped the trip to the pads. It still traveled around the campus though.
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I just had to respectfully decline my 6 causeway vip passes from my congressman.....My other request came through! BANANNA CREEK, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
We fly down next Wednesday & will be staying on Cocoa Beach.
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Andrewwski - 26/11/2007 7:34 PM
No Up Close tour...matter of fact no bus tours at all...on launch day.
trlstyle - 27/11/2007 8:44 AM
I was able to take the tour bus on launch day, it just completely skipped the trip to the pads. It still traveled around the campus though.
Okay, that's conflicting information. Anyone else with experience on taking the Up-Close tour on a launch attempt day?
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ChrisC - 27/11/2007 12:20 PM
Andrewwski - 26/11/2007 7:34 PM
No Up Close tour...matter of fact no bus tours at all...on launch day.
trlstyle - 27/11/2007 8:44 AM
I was able to take the tour bus on launch day, it just completely skipped the trip to the pads. It still traveled around the campus though.
Okay, that's conflicting information. Anyone else with experience on taking the Up-Close tour on a launch attempt day?
So we are on the same plane, you are talking about the tour where you board a bus and it takes you to the VAB, landing strip, wildlife preserve, ect...correct?
BTW i just found out i have a set of tickets. As soon as they sold out i posted a craigslist ad and someone emailed me trying to dump a set for what they paid - as i expected plans change and this person was unable to make the dates.
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ChrisC - 27/11/2007 12:20 PM
Andrewwski - 26/11/2007 7:34 PM
No Up Close tour...matter of fact no bus tours at all...on launch day.
trlstyle - 27/11/2007 8:44 AM
I was able to take the tour bus on launch day, it just completely skipped the trip to the pads. It still traveled around the campus though.
Okay, that's conflicting information. Anyone else with experience on taking the Up-Close tour on a launch attempt day?
It’s been my experience that the Visitors Complex does not run the guided tours (NASA Up Close, Cape Canaveral, Then & Now) on launch day. Typically the general tour (Saturn V Center, ISS Complex) does run on launch day but is dependent on the launch time. I have never seen them go out to the LC-39 Gantry stop on the general tour on launch day mostly due to safety and security reasons. For the STS-122 launch, I’m guessing they will have the general tour with 2 stops (Saturn V and ISS) for half the day. Just guessing on that one.
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CTdave - 27/11/2007 9:22 AM
I just had to respectfully decline my 6 causeway vip passes from my congressman.....My other request came through! BANANNA CREEK, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
We fly down next Wednesday & will be staying on Cocoa Beach.
How'd you manage Banana Creek? Another congressman, or contacts within NASA?
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:nose:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/home/tenday/USFL0372?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_home
but who knows how these things play out...
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I guess it's time to start the STS-122 weather handwringing thread.
You'll see far better analysis than weather.com here at NSF shortly. Go look at the STS-120 thread for an example.
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Hi guys -
I'm going to repost two of my questions from two days ago. Hopefully one of you has an answer.
3. What happens if I buy tickets for an Up-Close tour on a day that BECOMES a launch day due to delays? Do I get a rain check?
4. Does the Up-Close tour have phased start times? Or is there just one daily run of it?
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Andrewwski - 27/11/2007 4:00 PM
CTdave - 27/11/2007 9:22 AM
I just had to respectfully decline my 6 causeway vip passes from my congressman.....My other request came through! BANANNA CREEK, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
We fly down next Wednesday & will be staying on Cocoa Beach.
How'd you manage Banana Creek? Another congressman, or contacts within NASA?
inquiring minds would like to know? Bananna Creek is where the contractor's for Nasa employees' view the launch
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Andrewwski - 27/11/2007 4:00 PM
CTdave - 27/11/2007 9:22 AM
I just had to respectfully decline my 6 causeway vip passes from my congressman.....My other request came through! BANANNA CREEK, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
We fly down next Wednesday & will be staying on Cocoa Beach.
How'd you manage Banana Creek? Another congressman, or contacts within NASA?
I found a contact at NASA.
Including my wife & two kids, I am taking my parents. My father worked for Union Carbide's Lindey division back in the 60's. They developed quite a few components used in the Apollo program (which I listed in my request) as well as delivered 480,000 pounds of liquid propellant to Appolo 11.
With all of my father's involvement with the Apollo program, he never was able to be on hand for a live launch. My new friend at NASA didn't hesitate to help us out!
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ChrisC - 28/11/2007 11:36 AM
Hi guys -
I'm going to repost two of my questions from two days ago. Hopefully one of you has an answer.
3. What happens if I buy tickets for an Up-Close tour on a day that BECOMES a launch day due to delays? Do I get a rain check?
4. Does the Up-Close tour have phased start times? Or is there just one daily run of it?
I can't answer question #3 as I have no experience with that at all. However, in response to question #4 - yes it does have phased start times. They start at about 9:50am and keep running until about 3pm or something like that. When you buy your tickets you will have the option for which time you would like to take your tour, or if you buy them at the gate at the visitor's center they usually just put you on the next available one.
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OK, thanks el_nino. I've gone ahead and purchased Up-Close for Friday the 7th, and I guess I'll find out what happens if the launch is postponed to that day.
FYI, the system wouldn't let me purchase ANY special tour tickets for Thursday December 6th; they were all "unavailable". I don't know if that's because they were sold out or if there are no special tours on launch day, but it's probably the latter.
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With a planned launch time of 4:32 pm EST, six minutes after sunset in the New York City area, maybe we'll be able to see part of powered flight. I remember an after sunset launch that was very easy to see from here, but I think it was more than a few minutes after sunset.
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This came from a local astronomer in the New York area...
With the most recent Shuttle mission now behind us, here is something for
all of you folks to take note of regarding the next Shuttle launch (Atlantis/STS-122),
that is tentatively scheduled for December 6 at 4:31 p.m. EST
This is going to be most interesting because that launch time is 4 minutes
after local sunset in our area.
Back on September 12, 1991, STS-48 was launched at 7:11 p.m., or just 1-minute
after local sunset here. That was probably the best launch I've ever seen from the
NY area, because the Shuttle and its external tank was illuminated by sunlight.
This made the Shuttle appear incredibly bright . . . from Long Island
I estimated the brightness of the "stack" at
magnitude -5 -- brighter than the planet Venus!
Moreover . . . instead of flickering out into invisibility at MECO, what was seen
was a "puff" of vapor. Thereafter, the Shuttle continued to be visible as it sailed off
toward the northeast. Moreover, with binoculars, you could actually see the
separation of the whitish orbiter from the dull orange external tank.
A spectacular sight, indeed!
I would suspect that this type of display will again be visible next month, but
ONLY if the Shuttle gets off on schedule! If the flight is delayed even by one day
(to December 7), then the launch will occur about 24 minutes earlier . . . before
sunset. I can't honestly say whether or not the illumination angle on the vehicle will
allow us to still see it -- my gut feeling says yes, but we've never had a mission launch
so close to just before sunset, so we have no precedent for determining what might
be seen (as compared to just after sundown with the 1991 flight).
Any more of a delay . . . to December 8 and beyond . . . would probably result in
no visibility at all; the launch would come before 4 p.m. and the sky is pretty
bright at that time.
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STS-48 sounds like the one I saw. I remember that the launch was delayed and the delay pushed the launch time until after sunset for me in Elmsford, NY, just north of NYC. The NASA mission page says it was delayed for 14 minutes by a communications network issue. STS-48 also had a 57 degree orbit inclination, which made brought it closer to us than the 51.7 degree inclination for the ISS missions. Very bright due to the combination of reflected sunlight and the glow of the three main engines in a darkening sky.
I'm thinking about whether I'll stay at work and try to see it from my office in downtown Manhattan. It might be blocked by other buildings.
I've tried to see a shuttle flight in daylight, but I don't remember being able to do that, so an on-time launch would be nice, weather and safety permitting.
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I searched and searched for this before posting ...
I'm bringing my scanner with me. Does anyone know what radio frequencies are available for tuning into at KSC during a launch? I already know about the following:
NASA TV audio on 146.94 MHz (from ~3 hours before liftoff to landing)
NASA (TV?) audio on 442.6 MHz
WMMB launch coverage on AM 1240 and AM 1350
I also found this listing, but I'm not sure if it's current:
296.800 MHz - Air-to-ground, or orbiter-to-suit
259.700 MHz - Air-to-ground, or suit-to-orbiter
279.000 MHz - Suit-to-orbiter, or suit-to-suit
243.000 MHz - Standard military aircraft emergency frequency
But I thought I read somewhere (here, probably) about launch / flight control room audio being available too. THAT would be killer.
I found lots of web page with a gazillion frequencies, but I think they're mostly outdated since KSC apparently did a radio upgrade somewhat recently. I can just pick up regular analog carriers, not digital trunks or anything fancy like that. And the SRB boats and range control freqs would be nice but I really want to listen to the control room ...
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146.94 is the only thing which is NTV. "Control room" (LCC) was never broadcast on anything other than 146.94. There are loud speakers with the same commentary as NTV.
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442.6 would be the audio frequency for the amateur television the local amateur radio club sets up. They broadcast NASA TV video/audio over the air on cable channel 57.
When I watched 118, one of the AM radio stations also had NTV coverage on from T-9 to MECO. No babbling over it at all. It was quite useful.
TJL - 28/11/2007 6:37 PM
This came from a local astronomer in the New York area...
With the most recent Shuttle mission now behind us, here is something for
all of you folks to take note of regarding the next Shuttle launch (Atlantis/STS-122),
that is tentatively scheduled for December 6 at 4:31 p.m. EST
This is going to be most interesting because that launch time is 4 minutes
after local sunset in our area.
Back on September 12, 1991, STS-48 was launched at 7:11 p.m., or just 1-minute
after local sunset here. That was probably the best launch I've ever seen from the
NY area, because the Shuttle and its external tank was illuminated by sunlight.
This made the Shuttle appear incredibly bright . . . from Long Island
I estimated the brightness of the "stack" at
magnitude -5 -- brighter than the planet Venus!
Moreover . . . instead of flickering out into invisibility at MECO, what was seen
was a "puff" of vapor. Thereafter, the Shuttle continued to be visible as it sailed off
toward the northeast. Moreover, with binoculars, you could actually see the
separation of the whitish orbiter from the dull orange external tank.
A spectacular sight, indeed!
I would suspect that this type of display will again be visible next month, but
ONLY if the Shuttle gets off on schedule! If the flight is delayed even by one day
(to December 7), then the launch will occur about 24 minutes earlier . . . before
sunset. I can't honestly say whether or not the illumination angle on the vehicle will
allow us to still see it -- my gut feeling says yes, but we've never had a mission launch
so close to just before sunset, so we have no precedent for determining what might
be seen (as compared to just after sundown with the 1991 flight).
Any more of a delay . . . to December 8 and beyond . . . would probably result in
no visibility at all; the launch would come before 4 p.m. and the sky is pretty
bright at that time.
How far west could you see it? I'm a few hundred miles northwest of you guys (I'm in Buffalo), but I'm wondering if it's visible like in NYC.
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Looking at the map above, I should be able to see the launch after SRB seperation to MECO. Does anyone have viewing tips for someone looking to watch the shuttle from farther north after SRB seperation? I did bring my high power binoculars to school, now to make sure I am out of class!
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During the STS-120 landing, I learned about NASA's Java applet at
http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/JavaSSOP/JavaSSOP.html
... that included data for the ATMOSPHERIC LANDING approach trajectory for Discovery. Each orbit's landing opportunity appeared as a spacecraft to choose from in the list. Does anyone know if they will be loading in the nominal launch trajectory for each STS-122 launch attempt? If so, when do they load that in? It's not in there right now, just the usual satellites including ISS.
I have some family and friends in the NYC area that I'd like to point in the right direction. Sure, duh, it's South-Southeast, but altitudes, times, etc ...
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Is there a link to the story on Space.com about the "spot the shuttle" graphic above? That site is so cluttered with stuff I almost had a seizure...
Thanks
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Wow...I'm like right on the line...chances are I could get to a place that could see it. Although that's really counting on the fact that there will be no clouds, which at this time of the year, is highly unlikely.
What determines the extent of visibility until MECO? The vehicle being below the horizon, or the brightness being too low in magnitude?
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Since the STS-48 launch in 1991, I was able to see about 8 shuttle launches from Long Island, New York.
It appears approximately 8 minutes into flight, and is visible through MECO and ET separation, which is a pretty impressive sight.
From L.I., the shuttle is somewhere between 15 and 20 degrees above the horizon...first becoming visible in the SSE...moving quite quickly towards the SE. Without binoculars it looks like an orange colored bright star, but with binoculars, you can actually see the "v-shaped" exhaust.
At MECO, the light goes out, but you can see the thrusters fire on and off for about 10 seconds.
Of course you'll need clear (pre-sunrise, or post sunset) skys in your area.
If you've never seen this portion of powered flight, you're in for a treat!
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OK, what I found is that the graphic and related article (http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/061205_shuttle_spotting.html) are from last year's launch of Discovery for STS 116. (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-116.html)
Where did the info above come from? And is there any possibility of seeing any part of next week's launch along the east coast with an earlier scheduled liftoff?
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It doesn't matter what launch the graphic is from, all shuttle launches to ISS use the same 51.6 degree trajectory. You'll be able to view any shuttle launch to ISS in those areas, as long as its after sunset or before sunrise.
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Well, in this case sunset is not until 4:47pm (where I live).
Scheduled launch time is 4:31pm.
Twilight by any definition (civil, nautical, astronomical) is at 5:16 at the earliest.
Might explain why they don't have an article for THIS launch being visible along the coast.
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Viewing/Listening HELP please! I'm traveling down for my second launch this upcoming week and would love to listen live to the countdown as I view. Using scanner or radio does anyone know if there is a NON-DELAYED broadcast? Last launch (116) would have been have been much more enjoyable if i weren't listening to a 10sec delay. MUCH THANKS!!!
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hooooves - read the posts above which lists the frequency with NASA TV broadcasts...
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rdale- I tried those. Weren't/Aren't those delayed?
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Can't imagine why, but you can always get the frequency listings from http://radioreference.com for the KSC systems and use those.
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I'll give it a shot. thanks
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hooooves - 29/11/2007 11:25 PM
rdale- I tried those. Weren't/Aren't those delayed?
Those are the only ones. There are no direct broadcasts by NASA on scanner freqs, only relays. AM radio would be closer to realtime, but that is only later in the count.
This is it
NASA TV audio on 146.94 MHz (from ~3 hours before liftoff to landing)
NASA (TV?) audio on 442.6 MHz
WMMB launch coverage on AM 1240 and AM 1350
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Jim-
Thanks for the input. Do you know the delay on AM radio? I just found it irritating while viewing my last launch it was already off the pad at T-10. LOL
HOOOOVES
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Attention travelers ... Mike Leinbach said in today's briefing that they will likely be trying three attempts in a row (i.e. execute the 24 hour turnaround for each scrub) before they bail after the third attempt and do a 48 hour turnaround. Normally it's two attempts back-to-back then a 48. This is music to my ears because I pretty much need to head home on Sunday the 9th. And early weather indications are great! Wooooooo!
(and of course, the recent launches have all gone up on the first attempt; I guess we earned that luck after the hailstorm)
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ntschke - 29/11/2007 7:37 PM
Well, in this case sunset is not until 4:47pm (where I live).
Scheduled launch time is 4:31pm.
Twilight by any definition (civil, nautical, astronomical) is at 5:16 at the earliest.
Might explain why they don't have an article for THIS launch being visible along the coast.
The launch on Thursday is probably similar to STS-108 (photo below) back in December 2001.
It left KSC in sunlight, but by the time it came into view 8 minutes later off of Long Island it was dark.
For "122" I guess it will depend on where along the coast you'll be watching.
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** Now that i have causeway tickets, what would route to Orlando would those of you take when leaving the viewing area? Im looking for as little traffic as possible, although i know it will be extremely heavy (i was on hand for STS-118 and it took near 4 hours to get to the Orlando area, i would like to not do that again)
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Sorry, there is only SR-528 and SR-50 to and from the coast
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In the unlikely event that the weather improves sufficiently, will anything be visible on the first pass over the UK?
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Anyone know how the launch viewing situation is currently with this launch, considering the somewhat open-ended delays? Thanks.
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psloss - 8/12/2007 8:07 AM
Anyone know how the launch viewing situation is currently with this launch, considering the somewhat open-ended delays? Thanks.
Not sure I understand what you mean by "viewing situation"? For me, I'm down here waiting and enjoying the weather.
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mceddiemac - 8/12/2007 8:16 AM
Not sure I understand what you mean by "viewing situation"? For me, I'm down here waiting and enjoying the weather.
Did they sell causeway tickets for Saturday and/or Sunday? Or did the Thursday ticketholders get rainchecks? That kind of thing.
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psloss - 8/12/2007 8:19 AM
mceddiemac - 8/12/2007 8:16 AM
Not sure I understand what you mean by "viewing situation"? For me, I'm down here waiting and enjoying the weather.
Did they sell causeway tickets for Saturday and/or Sunday? Or did the Thursday ticketholders get rainchecks? That kind of thing.
Gotcha. The scrub announcement was early enough that they never boarded the Causeway buses. I'm still holding mine and I assume others have also. Not sure if the VC had people surrender/exchange the causeway tickets for a later flight or what. Probably the best bet is to call the VC.
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mceddiemac - 8/12/2007 8:30 AM
Gotcha. The scrub announcement was early enough that they never boarded the Causeway buses. I'm still holding mine and I assume others have also. Not sure if the VC had people surrender/exchange the causeway tickets for a later flight or what. Probably the best bet is to call the VC.
Thanks.
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Does anyone know if launch viewing tickets (not causeway tickets) are valid for admission on non launch days? It doesn't look like I'll be able to see the launch now at all but still want to visit Kennedy on another day.
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also in for wondering if a rollback is necessary. I was just waking up to leave and go to KSC too... :(
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Yeah, I'm hoping I can just visit Kennedy on a non launch day with my viewing ticket. I'm sure they wouldn't screw me out of $28...
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rowuncw - 9/12/2007 8:34 AM
Yeah, I'm hoping I can just visit Kennedy on a non launch day with my viewing ticket. I'm sure they wouldn't screw me out of $28...
Just gave the KSC visitor center a call and they said the discounted launch viewing tickets are good for admission on non-launch days.
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so now what do I do with my causeway pass? If the launch is move to the weekend, there could be a possible watch if there is a pilot out there who can fly us down and back the same day.
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I just wanted to thank Chris Bergin & the whole gang here at nasaspaceflight!
I received invitations directly from NASA for the STS 122 launch & I flew down with my wife & two small kids in hopes of another great experience. Obviously there were some issues & you could see/feel the pain of the good folks down there as the news trickled out.
The problem we were having was getting correct, up to date information. At our hotel on Cocoa Beach, people hovered around the lobby & watched for the hourly reports on the local news station. I however, chose to have a friend back home in Connecticut log onto spaceflight & call me with important information as it came out. This was not only informative as to what the problems with 122 were, it gave me the opportunity to change flights (several times) before the masses heard the announcements on the local news. Last night at the ticket counter, the woman from Jet Blue told me she "didn't understand how some "open" flights sold out in minutes and other "full" flights went out half empty over the past few days". She was oblivious to the shuttle launch :angry:
So, with all that said, THANK YOU!
What is everyone's best guess as far as the next launch date? Jan. 2nd? I have to book our next flights & I'd rather do it early & make changes later.
Dave
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CTdave - 10/12/2007 5:24 PM
What is everyone's best guess as far as the next launch date? Jan. 2nd? I have to book our next flights & I'd rather do it early & make changes later.
Dave
NASA has released the NET (No Earlier Than) date of January 2nd.
I, also, thank Chris for the updates with the site. Had it not been for this, I'd have not known of the scrub situation until NASA TV had released it.
This site is friggin' awesome. :cool:
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CTdave - 10/12/2007 4:24 PM
What is everyone's best guess as far as the next launch date? Jan. 2nd? I have to book our next flights & I'd rather do it early & make changes later.
Dave
Tough call. We're probably going to be doing a version of a tanking test in the next week or so and then go from there. I think Jan 2 is optimistic. It would require a lot just for the folks on leave, Call to Stations for count would be around New Years Eve and all. I think it may be more realistics for CTS to be on Jan 2, assuming we don't roll back.
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Thanks David....though it's a massive team effort and I really don't like taking personal praise when so many people are involved. Merged with Atlantis viewing :)
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Good post David.
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My kids(2 teens) and I are headed to Orlando starting the week before New Years, and hopefully leaving AFTER watching the Shuttle Launch. :)
Couple questions:
Assuming the Shuttle Launches on the 2nd, what is the last day that the "Up Close" tour will run in December?
Can anyone give me a link to purchasing Causeway passes? I can't find them on the Cape's website. Are they sold out? (update: found place on site saying they aren't selling "launch" tickets till they're more sure of Launch date)
Should I settle for Titusville, or try to buy them online from someone that missed the first window? Looks like an EARLY AM launch.. will it still be packed?
We'll be staying in Orlando to start, but will head to the Cape area after bowl game on the 1st. Is there a good & reasonably priced place to stay(hotel) nearby on the beach?
Thanks!
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Beach...there's New Symirna Beach to the north, but I don't think it's nearly as close as Titusville.
Titusville certainly won't disappoint. However, if you can get causeway passes, by all means, get them.
Greyline bus transport tickets from Orlando to the causeway usually don't sell out either, but that'd require being in Orlando at the time of departure.
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Anyone stayed at the Four Points Sheraton in Cocoa Beach? What about Luna Sea? Which(if either) would you recommend?
Thanks! keeping fingers crossed for launch on 2nd or 3rd!
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TrueBlueWitt - 11/12/2007 11:10 AM
Anyone stayed at the Four Points Sheraton in Cocoa Beach? What about Luna Sea? Which(if either) would you recommend?
Thanks! keeping fingers crossed for launch on 2nd or 3rd!
We usually stay in the more expensive type of hotels but tried out the Comfort Inn on Cocoa a few times when rooms were not available elsewhere. It's very clean & nice & I can't say anything bad about it. They also have a pool.
Last Saturday, we stumbled upon "Ron Jon's Cape Caribe" resort. WOW, what a cool place! It has all sorts of kids activities like a water park with a giant slide, lazy river, fountain area with water jets everywhere, tiki bar & everything you could want. It's a time share place but they do rent villas by the day. It's on the beach near the Port Canaveral inlet.
I'm booking flights today in hopes for a launch on the 2nd or 3rd as well. Our NASA invitations are good for when ever 122 goes up
:)
David
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CTdave - 11/12/2007 12:35 PM
TrueBlueWitt - 11/12/2007 11:10 AM
Anyone stayed at the Four Points Sheraton in Cocoa Beach? What about Luna Sea? Which(if either) would you recommend?
Thanks! keeping fingers crossed for launch on 2nd or 3rd!
We usually stay in the more expensive type of hotels but tried out the Comfort Inn on Cocoa a few times when rooms were not available elsewhere. It's very clean & nice & I can't say anything bad about it. They also have a pool.
Last Saturday, we stumbled upon "Ron Jon's Cape Caribe" resort. WOW, what a cool place! It has all sorts of kids activities like a water park with a giant slide, lazy river, fountain area with water jets everywhere, tiki bar & everything you could want. It's a time share place but they do rent villas by the day. It's on the beach near the Port Canaveral inlet.
I'm booking flights today in hopes for a launch on the 2nd or 3rd as well. Our NASA invitations are good for when ever 122 goes up
:)
David
Thanks! Ron Jon's didn't have openings for the days we will be there, but the Comfort Inn looks nice enough, quite affordable and got good review. Rather spend the money on more tours anyway!
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Hi there. I'm probably too late on this but my family and I were down there for STS-120 in Oct. We ended up staying at the Days Inn in cocoa beach- http://www.daysinncocoabeach.com/ (great deal on travelocity, about $60/night) Nothiing fancy but our room was clean, a 1 minute walk to the Cocoa Beach pier and a steak house at the Ramada. About a 20 minute drive to the KSC visitors center via the "back road" and 5 minutes to the cool restaurants on the inlet (try Rusty's-been then many times, and fish lips, among others).
PM me if you want more info and good luck. We may be back for STS-123 in Feb if the schedules don't get whacked too bad...
Nick
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I'll be in FL from Dec. 18th through Jan 3rd.... I *really* hope she goes up on the 2nd, it would be awesome to see another Shuttle launch :D
I've got a question that hopefully someone out there can answer... I'm a contractor working for Boeing, I have a "grey-badge"... I know that with a "blue-badge" being a direct hire they get discounts and special access to Kennedy, does any of that apply to us contractors as well? I understand if it doesn't, but I also think that would be a shame, 'cause we all work towards the same goals :)
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I can't believe I am thinking about giving up my NASA VIP invitations to view from the Banana Creek/Saturn V area. With a 2 or 3a.m. launch time, my 3 and 5 year old kids wouldn't be having much fun waking up at 12 a.m.
My wife is making me feel guilty to the point I understand it would be rough on the kids. Then again, it's ONE NIGHT. My 5 year old son gets up in the middle of the night from time to time anyway. Should I feel guilty? Somebody talk me out of canceling PLEASE! LOL
Dave
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CTdave - 14/12/2007 5:12 PM
I can't believe I am thinking about giving up my NASA VIP invitations to view from the Banana Creek/Saturn V area. With a 2 or 3a.m. launch time, my 3 and 5 year old kids wouldn't be having much fun waking up at 12 a.m.
My wife is making me feel guilty to the point I understand it would be rough on the kids. Then again, it's ONE NIGHT. My 5 year old son gets up in the middle of the night from time to time anyway. Should I feel guilty? Somebody talk me out of canceling PLEASE! LOL
Dave
I'd definitely go. Think of this as something your son will always remember. You know "Once my dad took me to the Kennedy Space Center to see the space shuttle go up. Even better, we got to stay up in the middle of the night!!" ;)
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Any chance the window would extend to Jan 19? I'll be in Orlando Jan 19-20. Can't believe I just miss it. Right now it would land Jan 20, so maybe I would at least catch the sonic booms?
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trekkerjel - 14/12/2007 11:44 AM
Any chance the window would extend to Jan 19? I'll be in Orlando Jan 19-20. Can't believe I just miss it. Right now it would land Jan 20, so maybe I would at least catch the sonic booms?
As noted in the other thread, the next beta cutout wouldn't be until May. It's not impossible that a two-day visit might coincide with something, but it also means you're going to need a lot of luck.
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I'm completely bummed that the launch was delayed.. we'll only be in FL through Jan 3rd :( Although I do totally understand letting workers spend well deserved time with their families over the Holidays. This was my best shot to watch a shuttle launch.
Anyone know how to get cheap airline tickets that have flexible dates???
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TrueBlueWitt - 14/12/2007 11:25 AM
I'm completely bummed that the launch was delayed.. we'll only be in FL through Jan 3rd :( Although I do totally understand letting workers spend well deserved time with their families over the Holidays. This was my best shot to watch a shuttle launch.
Anyone know how to get cheap airline tickets that have flexible dates???
Phone Larry up (he's on the forum). He'll sort you out.
Flights,Hotels &
Cruises
1-877-291-0068
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This will be my second 'crew guest' viewing, the first being STS-55. Wake up the kids. Get your wife excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Few people get as close to a shuttle launch as you will at the VIP location. It IS WORTH IT!
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Martin FL - 14/12/2007 12:32 PM
TrueBlueWitt - 14/12/2007 11:25 AM
I'm completely bummed that the launch was delayed.. we'll only be in FL through Jan 3rd :( Although I do totally understand letting workers spend well deserved time with their families over the Holidays. This was my best shot to watch a shuttle launch.
Anyone know how to get cheap airline tickets that have flexible dates???
Phone Larry up (he's on the forum). He'll sort you out.
Flights,Hotels &
Cruises
1-877-291-0068
Thanks,
Will give him a try.
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I wish it were possible to pay for those, or get on some waiting list or lottery. I wish I knew the right people to see it from the VIP area. If I go, I'm going to wind up in Titusville most likely. Not awful, but I really want to see it closer and feel that rumble as loud and strong as possible.
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I have to agree with those who say go to the VIP site, whatever the hour. There is nothing as exciting as being as close as you can be to the vehicle when it lifts off. That roar is a beautiful sound. :)
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kimmern123 - 14/12/2007 10:20 AM
I'd definitely go. Think of this as something your son will always remember. You know "Once my dad took me to the Kennedy Space Center to see the space shuttle go up. Even better, we got to stay up in the middle of the night!!" ;)
Thanks! I read this (and the other responses) to my wife & she just agreed to go! I feel better as well. I just booked our flights.
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anybody know if they are taking people out to the LC-39 observation gantry (where the two crawler ways split) on the bus tour today during the tanking test?
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el_nino - 18/12/2007 12:51 PM
anybody know if they are taking people out to the LC-39 observation gantry (where the two crawler ways split) on the bus tour today during the tanking test?
That would be closed for a test like this
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On my way to KSC this morning!!!! I'm sad that I won't get to see a launch, but I still plan to burn through over 1000 pictures while I'm there ;) Mainly reference shots of the Saturn V and Shuttle for the models I'm building.
Btw, I'll be in FL through the 3rd, does anyone know of any cool events/tours during that time that might justify a second day at KSC? ;)
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CTdave - 11/12/2007 12:35 PM
Last Saturday, we stumbled upon "Ron Jon's Cape Caribe" resort. WOW, what a cool place! It has all sorts of kids activities like a water park with a giant slide, lazy river, fountain area with water jets everywhere, tiki bar & everything you could want. It's a time share place but they do rent villas by the day. It's on the beach near the Port Canaveral inlet.
I'm booking flights today in hopes for a launch on the 2nd or 3rd as well. Our NASA invitations are good for when ever 122 goes up
:)
David
If you stay at the Ron Jon resort again, and are there for a Tuesday evening, be sure to check out the Wild Animal Show. And if you do, stop to say 'hello' to the handler with the grey beard...that would be me.
http://handsonwildlife.org/photogallery.htm
Cheers,
Larry
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Hey, I drove right past the wildlife business on Route 50 as I was heading to Epcot as an activity that Saturnday when the Shuttle was scrub
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lunarrv15 - 26/12/2007 2:13 PM
Hey, I drove right past the wildlife business on Route 50 as I was heading to Epcot as an activity that Saturnday when the Shuttle was scrub
Our "plan B" was MGM studios on Friday and "plan C" was Epcot on Saturday as well.
Larry, how about getting us a "friends with the entertainment" discount? I'm scheduled to fly down with the family on January 7th but have not made room reservations ......yet.
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CTdave - 26/12/2007 4:39 PM
Larry, how about getting us a "friends with the entertainment" discount? I'm scheduled to fly down with the family on January 7th but have not made room reservations ......yet.
Unable to do that. I couldn't even get a discount for my kids who stayed there over Christmas. We arent actually affiliated with the resort, we just present the shows.
I'm there every Monday morning for the welcome meeting and show promo, then I help set up the show and handle assigned animals during the show on Tuesdays during the slow season...we add a show on Thursdays during the high season which is usually from about april to october.
Two gators and a giant tortoise are spending the night in my garage tonight and a possum is staying in the guest bedroom tonight. We will take them to the shows tomorrow, then they go back to the jungle tomorrow after the late show.
I hope I can see you at the show.
I got a new 100mm spotting scope for christmas and have to get a camera adaptor before the launch. I sure hope the launch is on a nice clear day!
Cheers,
Larry
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Well with todays reports on Atlantis & the problems, it looks like I have to cancel my January flight plans. We flew to FL for the scrubs & changed tickets three times while there & then bought tickets to go back for the Jan 10th launch.
I can only imagine what it's costing NASA & everyone else involved. Yeikes!
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10 of us going down to Florida Jan 5-13 2008. Already purchased Launch Viewing Tickets for the 10th of Jan. Since that got scrubbed for the 10th, Do I stand any chance at all of seeing this for the 10-13th of January? Thanks all.. I am not happy about all this.. You would almost think this is NASA's first launch.
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There will not be a launch in January. I'll leave the last line of your post to stand on its own merit :>
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asyd12 - 3/1/2008 2:08 PM
10 of us going down to Florida Jan 5-13 2008. Already purchased Launch Viewing Tickets for the 10th of Jan. Since that got scrubbed for the 10th, Do I stand any chance at all of seeing this for the 10-13th of January? Thanks all.. I am not happy about all this.. You would almost think this is NASA's first launch.
Absolutely no chance of a launch in that timeframe, and hasn't been for some time. Looking like sometime in Feb.
"I am not happy about all this.. You would almost think this is NASA's first launch....."
...of the year. I assume, given you're new to the site (welcome, by the way) - so you'll soon gain an understanding and respect for the problem and the efforts to fix it during your stay.
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Anticipating the inevitable questions about launch times, here is Bill Harwood's launch windows table for January:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/122/122windows.html
Looks like it'll be sunset or early evening.
Now, let's see how long it takes for a newbie to post "what time would it launch on day X?" :)
Update: it took four minutes, over in the processing thread :(
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asyd12 - 3/1/2008 8:08 AM
I am not happy about all this.. You would almost think this is NASA's first launch.
:o
That's some attitude :angry:
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ChrisC - 3/1/2008 5:39 PM
Looks like it'll be sunset or early evening.
Excellent, those are the best launches to see.
Sunset should be around 6:08 PM on Feb 8.
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ChrisC - 3/1/2008 5:39 PM
Looks like it'll be sunset or early evening.
Definitely hoping for after 4:50 PM EST so I am able to see it fly. Either that, or on a weekend. ;)
Hey, I might be able to see it outside my back yard again! (Saw the RCS flares of her when she got off the tank with some strong binoculars.. Was friggin' awesome!)
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CTdave - 3/1/2008 6:28 PM
That's some attitude :angry:
asyd12 / New User / Posts: 1
That's some newbie :)
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asyd12 - 3/1/2008 8:08 AM
10 of us going down to Florida Jan 5-13 2008. Already purchased Launch Viewing Tickets for the 10th of Jan. Since that got scrubbed for the 10th, Do I stand any chance at all of seeing this for the 10-13th of January? Thanks all.. I am not happy about all this.. You would almost think this is NASA's first launch.
Would you like some cheese with that whine?
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Bill Harwood has launch windows listed for Jan 10-28. I am glad there will be no launch attempt on the 28th as that would bring back bad memories for so many people. In any case, a Jan 28 window would open at 6:26 pm ET. By moving that up about 25 minutes per day I figure liftoff would be at approx. 4:40 pm Feb 2, and 1:50 pm Feb 8. Did I calculate that correctly? So we are not looking at a launch in darkness if it occurs in that time frame.
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The way things have been going lately, my best bet for a viewing spot would be "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe."
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Chris B, would your best estimate really be a launch on the 7th? I need to change my tickets......again LOL.
After flying down for the scrub with my wife & kids, then changing flights three times, coming back home, booking again for the last date, changing to fly the night of the 7th for a NET 8th launch, I'm needing a more educated guess. I'm not doing it too well with this LOL. If I didn't have NASA invitations for the Saturn 5 viewing area, I would have given up long ago :frown:
Our first launch (STS 120) was too easy. We flew down the night before, watched the launch, did the Disney thing the next day & flew home that night. We were spoiled on that one ;)
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on the other thread. I know you put ALOT of time & effort into this.
Dave
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CTdave - 11/1/2008 5:00 AM
Chris B, would your best estimate really be a launch on the 7th? I need to change my tickets......again LOL.
After flying down for the scrub with my wife & kids, then changing flights three times, coming back home, booking again for the last date, changing to fly the night of the 7th for a NET 8th launch, I'm needing a more educated guess. I'm not doing it too well with this LOL. If I didn't have NASA invitations for the Saturn 5 viewing area, I would have given up long ago :frown:
Our first launch (STS 120) was too easy. We flew down the night before, watched the launch, did the Disney thing the next day & flew home that night. We were spoiled on that one ;)
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on the other thread. I know you put ALOT of time & effort into this.
Dave
Thanks Dave.
Feb 7 is a lot easier on the schedule to get Atlantis back into a launch posture (as the five day slip is because of the Russians, not a delay in repairing the tank).
The Russian situation could slip 122 to Feb 8, I would note.
Plus, the repair has to work!
However, right now, confidence is high on Feb 7.
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well, there goes my hopefull of weekend due work schedule. I say, have the Russians change their flight schedule
Please! Please! change to the 9th of Feb or the three day holiday weekend in Feb
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Bill Harwood has updated the launch windows for February:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#WINDOWS
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Hello,
I'll travel for the launch of STS 122 to Orlando. I'm from Germany and this will the second attempt to see a launch.
I have some questions because the procedures:
1. At which time open KSC at Thursday?
2. At which time depart the last bus to the nasa causeway?
3. How long I will need after the (hopefully) launch to leave KSC from NASA causeway?
4. How strong will be the traffic after the launch, because I have to go to Orlando International?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Klaus
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Perfect view of ISS just before Columbus launch
6 February 2008
As ESA's Columbus module sits on the launch pad awaiting liftoff on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Europe will have a great view tomorrow night of its destination: the International Space Station (ISS).
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMTFDPR4CF_index_0.html
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jacqmans - 6/2/2008 11:24 PM
Perfect view of ISS just before Columbus launch
6 February 2008
As ESA's Columbus module sits on the launch pad awaiting liftoff on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Europe will have a great view tomorrow night of its destination: the International Space Station (ISS).
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMTFDPR4CF_index_0.html
That picture of the ISS is amazing! It almost looks like it was taken from a space shuttle!
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Go Atlantis! Go Columbus!
We're all glued to the news updates... when preparing the launch of the ATV Jules Verne, the next visitor to ISS.
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where's a good place to view the landing other than KSC? Will they let you park along SR 528 near the Banana river - that looks like a good place to see them turn around the HAC to final..
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John2375 - 19/2/2008 10:37 AM
where's a good place to view the landing other than KSC? Will they let you park along SR 528 near the Banana river - that looks like a good place to see them turn around the HAC to final..
Get to the Visitor Center. Stand at the astronaut memorial. When the shuttle approaches rfom the south it passes close enough to the VC that you can hear it.
My building is almost under the approach path. Another guy took this shot from here.
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Mmmm...it looks like orbit 202 will be traveling right over Tampa Bay. I might just get lucky.
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I don't think I'll have time to make it there in time; gotta take my daughter to school so dont' think i'll get further than SR528; however if I *can* make it to the visitor's center.. will they open early to allow people in intime for it?
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johng - 19/2/2008 10:54 AM
My building is almost under the approach path. Another guy took this shot from here.
Nice photo. What's the blueish color trailing behind the orbiter?
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Citabria - 19/2/2008 4:53 PM
johng - 19/2/2008 10:54 AM
My building is almost under the approach path. Another guy took this shot from here.
Nice photo. What's the blueish color trailing behind the orbiter?
There's a thread on that, as it's from STS-120.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=11054&posts=10&start=1
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I'm pretty sure that's diffracted di-hydrogen oxide.
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Well I went up to SR 528 / Rt. 1 area and pulled over at the Banana River, along w/maybe 20 other cars or so. Got there 9am with my wife who's not a space-nut but I got her to come. Radio said they'd come in over Ft. Myers just a couple minutes ago.. I'm looking in the sky, looking, looking.. nothing. Wife says "What's that up there - just an airplane or something?" Of course it was Atlantis!! I could see easily now w/the naked eye but w/binoculars it was awesome - shortly the twin sonic booms rocked the area pretty good.. these two older guys were staring in the wrong area so I ran over and said "there! there!!" and pointed.. they said "No that's not it, that's much too high for the shuttle..." (oh well, just trying to be helpful!) We could follow it for the next 3 minutes or so until it made it's turn around the HAC and lined up,.. never saw it again although tried of course - not sure I was looking in right place for final approach and besides it was far away then - if they'd landed on 33 like originally said, it would've been a great place to watch them turn around the HAC and line up.. oh well.
When we left there were STILL people staring at the sky searching for it LOL
came home and yelled at my TiVO for not recording the landing like I asked it too.. oh well always great to see one in the sky :D