NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Concorde on 01/25/2007 06:47 pm
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Thanks for the welcomes.
Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask but when the Kennedy space centre "transportation" tickets go on sale online, is it chaos? Does the site get jammed? Do they sell out in minutes/hours/days - does anyone know. Thanks.
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The last four times they have all sold out in an hour or so and people have said they couldn't get through.
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Ben - 25/1/2007 3:01 PM
The last four times they have all sold out in an hour or so and people have said they couldn't get through.
Wow. How many tickets are available that sell so fast?
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I believe they sell 5000 causeway tickets (to the public; then there are many more VIPs on the causeway now too).
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And as I say that, they have announced they go on sale 9am Monday:
http://www.ksctickets.com/ltt.html
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Sorry if this abit off topic...
I planned and booked to see the STS-117 launch based on the "No earlier than the 16th" and now they have changed it to the 15th. Coming from Australia and going to Brazil for 2 days (Cheap airline ticket) I arrive in the afternoon of the 15th until the 19th.
Question: Can I Book/Buy a VIP launch ticket for the 15th and hope it gets delayed by a day to the 16th? and will it be valid for my circumstances with the tour company?
If it does launch on time, I know I'll loose my money, but it's a risk I'm willing to take, it would cost me about $1000 to change all my dates by a day as I've prepaid hotel rooms/flights etc.
Thanks in advance.
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It's pretty rare for them to launch on the first attempt, so you should be ok. Not tempting fate of course. There's a few guys on here who are very knownledgable about the tickets, so I'm sure they will get back to you when the site gets busy again during the day.
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That's not really true, but I will wish you luck that it does so you get to see it. You cannot buy a VIP pass, but I assume you mean the causeway passes that will go on sale Monday? Yes, they should be good if presented on the second try, but you can always call and ask.
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Yes I do mean the Causeway passes. I've had little luck with getting anything coherent out of the people selling the tickets via email. I guess they seem to think why bother helping, since they will sell out anyway. They released the info 5pm Friday and Tickets go on sale 9am Monday, little chance to ask questions before they are sold out.
End of the day I guess a taxi down to Titusville might be the only option, unless other people here know of pickup tour bus services? I'm staying at the Embassy Suites Downtown.
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After the tickets sell Monday (if you don't get one) they have another causeway ticket offer, with the Greyline tour bus company from downtown Orlando. They never seem to sell out of these additional tickets; they will cost $109 each I believe.
Otherwise, Titusville is the place.
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Wabby - 27/1/2007 3:44 PM
Yes I do mean the Causeway passes. I've had little luck with getting anything coherent out of the people selling the tickets via email. I guess they seem to think why bother helping, since they will sell out anyway. They released the info 5pm Friday and Tickets go on sale 9am Monday, little chance to ask questions before they are sold out.
End of the day I guess a taxi down to Titusville might be the only option, unless other people here know of pickup tour bus services? I'm staying at the Embassy Suites Downtown.
Hey Wabby,
Im coming from Brisbane to see the launch. Might run into each other.
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Anyone know which tickets sell the most quickly. With or without the "Dine with Astronaut" or is there not much in it?
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I don't think there is a difference there. The causeway tickets are the ones that say "launch transportation ticket (LTT)" so be careful. The ones that say "maximum access" are viewing from the visitors complex only and NOT the causeway.
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Im coming all the way from Australia and i missed the launch tickets. Like how the hell was i ment to get them they were gone in like 30 sec....
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Me missed them too, coming from Scotland....
Anyone know if people sell them on, ebay perhaps???
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Have you considered the visitors center ones? Same distance I believe just no line of site to the pad.
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Also looks like the dine with astronaut packages might still be available. only a few dollars more?? (do your own research into suitability though)
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Yes i just found those as that was my last hope.....
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Shipping $75 this has to be the farce of the century!
There will be a nice email fired off to NASA when I wake up in the morning, I woke up at 1am to order these tickets.
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$75 shipping. Are they using 1 hour shipping for this. I think nasa must be bringing concord back online to charge this much for shipping.
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Just remember it is not NASA selling the tickets, but the visitor center which NASA doesn't run.
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If you want a good view, I would strongly suggest Titusville (which is also free) over the visitors complex. But if you want to hang around the exhibits leading up to launch time, and don't mind not seeing the shuttle while you wait, go for it. (edit: and yes, the VC is closer than Titusville, so if being close is the important thing, by all means..)
As far as ebay, yes they do. They tend to either be marked up or sell for 2-3 times the cost paid, and they do sell.
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This thread for all related questions..
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What about watching from one of the beeches, or are they to far away to have a good view.
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I've seen some videos of launches taken from beach viewing areas. They're nothing great compared to the press sites but hey...it's in person.
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The beach is unncessarily far away.
If you can go closer, go. If you are a local and are not into it, ok, I can understand them spending a day at the beach to see it. But if you are coming from Europe or Australia specifically to see your first launch and this is the one shot you have at it, you should make every effort to get the best and closest seating and experience. That's my opinion.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
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Yes, if you cannot get a pass, the next best place is along US1 in Titusville. You can get a clear view of both pads. Also, do not feel too disapointed if you do not get a launch pass. I've seen many launches from both Titusville, and on center, and there is not a whole lot if difference between the causeway and titusville. Some die-hards may disagree, but that's just my opinion. Then again, I'm a local.
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I actually prefer the SR-528 (Formerly known as the Beeline, now Beachline) or SR-401, road leading to the Cape
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And no matter where you go... PLEASE respect and abide by the traffic laws!!! Actually, the Brevard County Sheriff's office has started to crack down during the past couple of launches by issuing tickets.
I only say this because it seems that people lose their minds and common sense when trying to find a place to watch the launch. People park in medians, pause in intersections... it can be a mess sometimes.
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Ben, thanks for all the info about viewing a launch on your site! Do you know how clearly the pad itself can be seen from Titusville?
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marsguy - 29/1/2007 7:28 PM
Ben, thanks for all the info about viewing a launch on your site! Do you know how clearly the pad itself can be seen from Titusville?
The pads are very clear from Titusville. Anyspot along US-1 and North of SR50 will provide a clear view of the pads. There are plenty of small parks along the river in Titusville.
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It's nothing but water from you to the pad. Check out the links I posted at the bottom of the page. This is a good example:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2005-07/18657642.jpg
Except that was taken with a strong telephoto lens so it will look much further than that.
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This one is a bit more represenative of the distance. ...minus the LUT of course.
http://p.vtourist.com/613888-Coumbias_3rd_takeoff-Titusville.jpg
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Thanks! I don't think I'll be able to make it to the launch in March, but I'm hoping to go to see 118 during the summer.
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We are taking our 5 year old daughter down for the launch (this child eats, sleeps, and breathes rockets!). The last launch I saw was in the early 90's (not sure which mission, but I remember it was just at sunrise). I'm wondering what has changed in the last 10yrs.
Last time, we just pulled over along US1 in Titusville a little south of the Howard Johnsons about 10-15mins before launch. there was hardly anyone around. I'm wondering what time we should head out (staying in Cocoa), where in Titusville is a good place to look for parking, and any other tips.
Also, since we're staying for about a week, how are the various KSC bus tours affected pre- and post-launch. You just can't comprehend the size of the VAB until you get close to it.
Thanks in advance.
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I suppose the closer it get's to 2010, more and more people will want to see a shuttle launch. After all it is a bit of histroy that won't be repeated for very long time I.E. no shuttle like launcher. I can't get this year, so looking forward to great coverage from this forum and hope to see a launch in 2008.
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someone who lives in Titusville here on NSF should have a big launch party and sell tickets. To NSF members only! That would be awesome, to see a launch and meet everybody...
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When should we start a weather thread for STS-117?
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I always wondered what the point of starting a separate weather thread was. The weather directly impacts the launch, and having two threads to bounce between is a bit of a pain. It is borderline micromanagement. I'd prefer just designating a few posters as "weather posters" as the launch approaches.
Feel free to relocate to "Suggestions"(not that you need my permission anyway). I'm just posting in this thread in reply to the previous post.
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We usually start a separate thread a few days before launch, general forecasts stay in here. It's separate just to ease the viewing of information, sometimes things get piled up so fast in the main thread that it scrolls away and we see WAYYYYY too many people here who can't even go back one page before posting questions ;>
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hi im new here , just like to ask a question about traffic in the area on launch night/day (14/15). I should arrive in Orlando at 5.30pm on the 14th and have a hire car at the airport booked (coming from the U.K.) Will driving to Titusville and then onto the Kennedy Space Centre, be Easy or is traffic insane? in other words will it be fairly simple to get To Titusville from Orlando international at that time, or have i no hope in hell? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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You'll be fine the night before. Any traffic starts picking up maybe four hours before launch going into KSC. Since you have a causeway or visitors center ticket, you should be given a time when to show up on your ticket.
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Hi and welcome.
I am doing pretty much the same thing but get to Orlando half an hour later and am intending to check into a hotel just south of Kennedy before the launch. Its my first time and don't really have a clue but I have noticed a tour company that has a package including the LTT tickets and they "pick up from hotels in the Orlando area between 12:15am and 1:30am". I thought I saw another company that said 3am !!! I think this should give a good indication. The 528 seems to take you most of the way.
I see Ben has answered already.
Can anyone answer if I the road tolls are coin only or can I get change from a note?)
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ALAN W...
I'm landing around the same time on the 14th, flying VA075 MAN-MCO...
yet to book a hotel, doesnt look like anything decent in Titusville itself.
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Concorde - 9/2/2007 4:02 PM
Hi and welcome.
I am doing pretty much the same thing but get to Orlando half an hour later and am intending to check into a hotel just south of Kennedy before the launch. Its my first time and don't really have a clue but I have noticed a tour company that has a package including the LTT tickets and they "pick up from hotels in the Orlando area between 12:15am and 1:30am". I thought I saw another company that said 3am !!! I think this should give a good indication. The 528 seems to take you most of the way.
I see Ben has answered already.
Can anyone answer if I the road tolls are coin only or can I get change from a note?)
Notes are fine
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scubaroo - 10/2/2007 2:29 PM
ALAN W...
I'm landing around the same time on the 14th, flying VA075 MAN-MCO...
yet to book a hotel, doesnt look like anything decent in Titusville itself.
im staying here http://www.ramadaksc.com/ booked it a long while back, dont know if thats any help to you?
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There is also the Hampton Inn just off of I-95 on SR 50. It's fairly new, and Hampton Inns are pretty good hotels. As a bonus, it is within walking distance of Cracker Barrel. There is also the Holiday Inn on US-1 in Titusville. It's right on the river with a clear view to KSC. It is an older hotel. I doubt it is as nice as the Hampton Inn. Though, it is probably equal to the Ramada. The Ramada has its own Denny's, so you can get an early breakfast before the launch.
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Ben - 27/1/2007 1:06 AM
After the tickets sell Monday (if you don't get one) they have another causeway ticket offer, with the Greyline tour bus company from downtown Orlando. They never seem to sell out of these additional tickets; they will cost $109 each I believe.
Otherwise, Titusville is the place.
I was unable to get a causeway ticket, yes they sell out very fast. I did book a "VIP Ticket" thru one of the tour companies from Orlando. So my question is, will this be at the VIP launch viewing site or am I mistaken? I did send a request to my Senator, and finally heard back 2 weeks after I requested, saying they were working with NASA on the request but could not guarantee anything.
This will be my first view of a launch, and am very excited about it. Finding these forums makes it even more anticipated.
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Can somebody help me.. I don't understand if I need to buy the launch viewing tickets in advance or can I also buy them on launch day at KSC?
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Advance only. You won't be able to get to KSC in the first place without a ticket to drive in on launch day.
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Just wondering where these launch dates of the 14th and 15th are coming from. Did I miss something? The very accurate spaceflightnow.com still has 117 on for June 8. :)
Watching from Titusville is good and there is a clear view of the pad *IF* it is a clear day. The one launch I watched from there, STS-28, was on a day with significant ground fog so you could not see the vehicle on the pad. It took at least 20 seconds before it was visible. So that launch was quite "short" but still memorable. Not to disappoint anyone but I found a drawback to watching from Titusville is that you don't hear much sound from the vehicle. I think it took close to 2 minutes to hear any rumbling from the engines. At least that was my experience in 1989. Maybe it depends on the wind and weather. The 2 launches I saw from the causeway were much louder, and the sound hit a lot sooner.
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Oh my.. a big dilemma for me here.. I can't decide if I should buy tickets for KSC Visitor Center launch viewing or watch the launch from Titusville (Space View Park etc).
I'm coming to Florida from Europe (Estonia) and it's my first time ever to see a space launch.. actually it is my first visit to US too :)
Just keeping my fingers crossed here that the launch happens in early June.
Go Atlantis!!!
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The posts saying the 14/15th were from when the launch was in March :-)
We don't get too many days in Florida where you can't see ten miles, so I wouldn't worry too much. But I guess it can happen once in a while. You are correct, the sound takes about 55 seconds to travel 11 miles. Reports I've heard from people who watched there multiple times say it can be loud to almost nothing, and yea, the wind and humidity can play a factor.
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I was in no way, shape, or form, able to head for Florida for a March launch or anytime before that....but now an opportunity has come up and I'm seriously considering making it (for my 2nd shuttle launch viewing) on June 8th. SO....are causeway tickets now available for the 6/8 attempt, or are they still sold out?
EDIT: Looks like I answered my own question. As per KSC Visitor Center site the causeway tickets are sold out so I got KSC Visitor Center launch tickets.
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Can somebody tell if the KSC Visitor Center launch tickets are also sold out usually?
Should I buy these quickly if I want to view the launch from there?
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If I recall correctly, the first time I saw a launch in 2001 (STS-104) the KSC VC tickets were indeed sold out so I saw it from the astronaut hall of fame. The bird turned night into day, it was awesome.
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I would not recommend the hall of fame tickets. Choose between Titusville and the VC.
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Any views on the potential for 8th June to slip before role-out? Need to book flights soon.
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You know, I take it this way.. In theory the probability for a slip is very high based on previous flights, but I try to say to myself that if I even can't see the actual launch, the trip to Florida is still worth it ;)
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since KSC is now sold out of tickets to view at the causeway for STS-117 is there any private/third party companies that I can try to get tickets from?
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Concorde - 26/4/2007 10:07 AM
Any views on the potential for 8th June to slip before role-out? Need to book flights soon.
All looks on track for June 8. Depends on the pad flow, as they only have two days of contingency (working on a normal flow - holidays included).
If anything changes, this site will be the first place you'll know about it.
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I'm very glad to hear that the rollout is still on schedule for May 16th or even earlier :)
I will be at the KSC Visitor Center on June 8th, after flying in to Orlando on my frequent flier ticket. (I live 2,000 miles west of Florida, so it's not like I can just get in the car and drive south). I'm ready for T-0!
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uko - 26/4/2007 3:13 AM
You know, I take it this way.. In theory the probability for a slip is very high based on previous flights, but I try to say to myself that if I even can't see the actual launch, the trip to Florida is still worth it ;)
That's how I'm approaching this. I have a frequent flier ticket I need to use before July and I may as well try for a shuttle launch attempt. The Kennedy Space Center is always a great place to visit.
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Was wondering if one could hire a boat in Titusville and watch from the Inidan River ?
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When my family and I were in Titusville during July of 2005, we took a pontoon boat ride around the river and visited some of the man made islands there. The skipper of the boat told me that yes, rides were available during the launch. Be advised that it would be a long boat ride without shade. The top of the boat was removed to be able to see the launch. I was all set to do it, but the lack of shade wouldn't have been good for my wife and children or my bald head!
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Gene DiGennaro - 20/5/2007 6:24 PM
When my family and I were in Titusville during July of 2005, we took a pontoon boat ride around the river and visited some of the man made islands there. The skipper of the boat told me that yes, rides were available during the launch. Be advised that it would be a long boat ride without shade. The top of the boat was removed to be able to see the launch. I was all set to do it, but the lack of shade wouldn't have been good for my wife and children or my bald head!
Cool, thanks.. anyone know if there are any restrictions on the river...maybe I should just bring my little Zodiac with me??
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Here is the link to the boat ride I took. Looks like they no longer have a website, but this link does have contact information. The Captain and his assistant were very nice folks. The boat was a sturdy aluminum pontoon boat about 25 feet long or so. His assistant also part timed with animal control removing alligators from people's yards!
http://www.discoverfla.com/cms/bridge.php?partner=68
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There are a few launch tickets for sale on ebay from people who purchased them for March but are unable to attend the launch in June. Enter STS-117 in the search line, leave the categories as ALL CATEGORIES, and press SEARCH. YOu will see about 5 listings for tickets.
Hope this helps those of you who really want to see this launch from good viewing spots.
See you there! ;)
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Does NASA/Launch Control simulcast their transmissions on local Titusville FM radio for those who want to monitor the count without having access to NASA TV?
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You can monitor NASA TV on a scanner at 146.9400. Local AM and FM stations will have coverage but it will be more talk (or Jim Banke's commentary) than NASA TV. I'd say get a scanner if you can; you can pick one up on ebay for maybe $20-30.
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I just got my launch tickets for the KSC VC! I am STOKED.
I've got a few questions now...about the scanner frequency, is that in KHZ? I don't know much about radio. I'm not going to buy a radio just to listen in on NASA TV for one visit, but I'll try to keep up as much as I can with my portable Grundig AM/FM/SW radio. And I do have a cell phone that I can use to get mobile web content and news video clips (VCAST).....Is there anyone that offers mobile-specific space related content? (I looked on Space.com but didn't see anything).
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MHz
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Thanks. 146 MHz isn't reachable with my radios. Oh well. As for the cell phone mobile content I'll keep looking, I remember seeing something on space.com a while back but I'm not finding it.
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It's called a scanner frequency because you usually need a scanner to receive it.
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I just found a site called space2phone....I might get into that in time for the launch but I'll see. It's supposed to have live launch coverage.
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Thanks, that's good to know. Maybe the spaceflightnow.com page will work. I tried the space.com page and it did load but I didn't like how it looked or loaded, it was too unwieldy. Are there any others who get space news off their mobile or who use space2phone or some other service?
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Bubbinski - 1/6/2007 11:51 AM
Thanks, that's good to know. Maybe the spaceflightnow.com page will work. I tried the space.com page and it did load but I didn't like how it looked or loaded, it was too unwieldy. Are there any others who get space news off their mobile or who use space2phone or some other service?
Some posts back you said you were going to be at the Visitor Center? (Apologies if I'm misunderstanding.)
If so, they used to pipe the NASA TV commentary over the loudspeakers on the launch days I was there.
Couple of caveats: 1) I was only there to get on the buses to go out to the causeway and so wasn't at the Visitor's Center at liftoff; and 2) that was back in 2001.
Nevertheless, the launch status center is still functional (though I hear not for long) and they have big screens in there NASA TV -- if you're going to be there, that's a good place to watch the count before liftoff. Note however that unlike all the other times I was at the VC, on launch days that place was packed.
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They still pipe it in and have screens (at least one) at the VC.
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Does anyone know the restrictions on bringing in camera equip. (i.e. backpacks, tripods) into the visitor center on launch days. The ticket package I got noted that these are restricted but other sources have said they relax restrictions on backpacks and fold up chairs into the center and out on the causeway.
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Don't you guys have cell phones where you simply get a normal internet browser and anything you would normally get on your PC screen? I know the US is way behind with cell technology, but it's common place here. I'd simply log into this site via my cell.
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Justin Space - 1/6/2007 8:05 PM
Don't you guys have cell phones where you simply get a normal internet browser and anything you would normally get on your PC screen? I know the US is way behind with cell technology, but it's common place here. I'd simply log into this site via my cell.
The short simple answer is "Yes". The more complicated answer is "it depends on what type of phone you have."
You can also get "cell-phone" wireless cards to insert into a laptop.
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RELEASE: 24-07
AIRSPACE, BRIDGES AND WATERWAY RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR STS-117
For the STS-117 launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA managers are
urging all aircraft pilots and boaters to fully comply with the
airspace, bridges and waterway restrictions imposed around Kennedy
Space Center prior to and during shuttle launches and landings.
"As always, we are coordinating with officials from the U.S. Air Force
Eastern Range, Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Coast
Guard to help provide a safe launch environment for the shuttle crew
and for interested spectators," said KSC Launch Director Mike
Leinbach. "Violating these restrictions is not only unsafe for the
astronauts and support crews, it's unsafe for the violator."
The first launch opportunity is Friday, June 8, with liftoff targeted
for 7:38p.m. EDT. This launch time is approximately in the middle of
a 10-minute launch window. At NASA's request, Air Force and Coast
Guard surveillance aircraft will patrol KSC's airspace boundaries on
launch day. Violators will be intercepted by patrol forces,
thoroughly investigated and subject to FAA enforcement action. A
number of restrictions remain in effect around KSC during the hours
immediately following the launch of a space shuttle.
The following are restrictions that apply to pilots, boaters and motor
vehicle operators using the airspace, waterways, or roads and bridges
that lead to KSC.
KSC AREA AVIATION RESTRICTIONS
For the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-117, all restricted areas
surrounding KSC will be active and the area covered by flight
restrictions has once again been expanded for this launch.
Due to international terrorist activities, heightened security is
essential to protect the space shuttle as a national asset. An
inadvertent unauthorized incursion into the area of the Cape
Canaveral Temporary Flight Restriction, or TFR, could cause a scrub
in the launch of Atlantis, the activation of airspace defenses and an
FAA enforcement action. Local pilots are asked to help NASA by
respecting these temporary but necessary restrictions so the launch
can occur on time and without incident.
The Eastern Range restricted airspace for KSC and Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station is in effect on a continuous basis and is off limits to
general aviation pilots. Access is limited to official aircraft only.
The restricted airspace normally covers the area bounded by the
Indian River to the west, Port Canaveral to the south, the city of
Oak Hill to the north, and three miles over the Atlantic Ocean to the
east. Pilots are encouraged to consult the current FAA aeronautical
chart for Orlando Class B airspace.
On launch day, these restricted areas will be expanded by the TFR and
will be activated seven hours before the launch window opens. It will
continue in effect until 30 minutes after launch, after which the
standard restricted areas for KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station will be in effect. On Friday, June 8, the TFR will be
activated at 12:38 p.m. EDT. The launch is targeted to occur at 7:38
p.m. EDT. If the launch is scrubbed, pilots should check NOTAMs for
the hours the TFR will be in effect for the next launch attempt.
General aviation and VFR operations are prohibited within a
30-nautical-mile radius of Launch Pad 39-B from the surface to (but
not including) 18,000 feet (located on the Melbourne VOR/DME
004-degree radial at 30.6 nautical miles). Among the public-use
general aviation airports affected within this area are Space Coast
Regional Airport in Titusville, Arthur Dunn Airpark in Titusville,
Merritt Island Airport on Merritt Island and Massey Ranch in
Edgewater.
Within an airspace radius between 30 and 40 nautical miles of Pad
39-A, a discrete transponder code must be obtained and clearance
granted from air traffic control before entering this airspace.
Continuous radio communications must be maintained.
Among the public-use airports affected within the 30- to
40-nautical-mile radius in which flight is permitted but under
positive air traffic control are Orlando International Airport,
Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport, the
New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, Melbourne International Airport
and Valkaria airport.
Before flight, pilots should contact the St. Petersburg FAA Flight
Service Station at 1-800/WxBrief (1-800/992-7433) for details of the
restrictions contained in the NOTAMS. In flight, outside Orlando
Class B airspace, pilots should contact Orlando Approach control on
134.95. In the Melbourne area, contact Orlando Approach control on
132.65. In southern Volusia County, contact Orlando Approach control
on 125.35. Flight Service can also be reached locally by radio on the
Titusville RCO at 123.6 or the Melbourne RCO on 122.6. Advisories
will also be available from the control tower at Space Coast Regional
Airport in Titusville at 118.9 megahertz.
Between L-7 hours and L-3 hours, (12:33 to 4:33 p.m.) pilots will be
permitted to depart and return to the airports managed by the
Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. These include Space Coast
Regional Airport, Arthur Dunn Air Park and Merritt Island Airport.
After L-3 hours, no aircraft departures or landings at these airports
will be permitted. It is important that pilots read the NOTAM for
further details before planning a departure at these three local
airports.
At Space Coast Regional Airport, pilots should contact ground control
prior to departure at 121.850 Mhz for air traffic control
instructions. At Arthur Dunn Air Park and Merritt Island Airport,
pilots should telephone Orlando Approach Control at 407-825-3398.
Departure instructions, radio frequency to be used and discrete
transponder code will be provided.
After departure, pilots must maintain continuous radio communications,
squawking the assigned transponder code at all times while within the
TFR airspace. Remain vigilant for the possibility of fighter aircraft
within the TFR. In the event of radio failure, pilots should squawk
7600 and depart the TFR on a heading away from the NASA restricted
areas.
BRIDGES AND ACCESS HIGHWAYS CONTROLLED FOR LAUNCH
The opening and closing of bridges over waterways surrounding KSC will
be strictly controlled during the hours immediately before and after
the launch period for each space shuttle mission.
Bridges affected by the launch include:
* Port Canaveral Barge Canal (State Road 401);
* Indian River/NASA Causeway West (Intracoastal Waterway);
* Merritt Island Barge Canal (Merritt Island State Road 3);
* Haulover Canal Bridge (State Road 3, north of KSC).
Restraints on bridge openings for boat traffic begin three hours
before launch. The bridges may be opened for five minutes at the
following points in the launch countdown: T-180 minutes, T-150
minutes, T-120 minutes, T-90 minutes and T-65 minutes. Adding 20
minutes to these times and then subtracting the total number of
minutes from the opening of the 10-minute launch window (7:33 p.m.)
will result in an approximate time of openings.
Bridges will remain closed to boat traffic until 90 minutes after
liftoff (T+90). They may then open for five minutes at T+90, T+120
minutes and T+150 minutes. Bridge operations will return to normal
three hours after launch (T+180 minutes).
Should the shuttle be required to perform a return-to-launch-site
landing at KSC, all bridges would remain closed to boat traffic from
45 minutes before landing until at least one hour after landing.
State Road 3 from the Gate 2 Pass and Identification Building to State
Road 405 (NASA Causeway) via Space Commerce Way will be closed on
launch day, June 8, beginning at noon. NASA Causeway between the KSC
Visitor Complex and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will also be
closed starting at that time. Only badged employees and guests with
passes will be permitted access. These roads will reopen
approximately two hours after launch.
On the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, State Road 406 and County Road
402 leading to Titusville, as well as State Road 3 south of the
Haulover Canal bridge, will close at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 4, and
reopen approximately two hours after launch.
KSC AREA BOATING RESTRICTIONS
Waterways and boating near KSC will be strictly controlled prior to
and during the launch of Atlantis on STS-117.
Safety and security requirements, including Air Force range safety
impact limit lines, will go into effect three days before launch.
Other requirements will be phased into effect through sunset the
night before launch. A general description of the area follows:
ATLANTIC OCEAN: Beginning on L-3 days (Tuesday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m.)
and continuing through launch, a general exclusion zone will be in
effect three miles offshore from the Haulover Canal, near the north
end of KSC, and southward to Port Canaveral. Four hours prior to
launch, all ocean-going traffic will be restricted from entering an
area measured from nine miles north and south of the launch pad and
extending 64 miles east into the ocean. An additional three-mile-wide
exclusion zone will be extended eastward along the flight path of the
space shuttle.
INDIAN RIVER: Restrictions apply from the NASA Causeway north to the
Haulover Canal and east of the Indian River's main channel.
Restrictions begin on L-3 days (Tuesday, June 5).
MOSQUITO LAGOON: This area south of the Haulover Canal in the Mosquito
Lagoon is off limits to all boats beginning on L-1 day (Thursday,
June 7).
BANANA RIVER: Security limits begin at the Banana River Barge Canal
south of KSC at the State Road 528 crossing and extend north. This
restriction is effective 16 hours prior to launch (Friday, June 8, at
3:30 a.m.).
All boating restrictions will be lifted approximately one hour after
launch. Boating interests should monitor Coast Guard Channel 16
broadcasting from Port Canaveral. The Coast Guard, the Fish and
Wildlife Service, and KSC security forces share responsibility for
enforcing the boating guidelines.
-end-