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#140
by
fura
on 06 Sep, 2008 13:25
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They are, I just got a mail from Gator tours that asked for confirmation that I accept a reschedule of the tour for the launch of october 10th.
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#141
by
bkellysky
on 08 Sep, 2008 19:31
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I have a choice of a public viewing site (e.g. Titusville) for STS-125 or possible Congressional tickets for STS-126. I liked STS-125 because of the larger launch window and seeing two shuttles on the pads at once. Would it be better to wait for the better view if I can get an up-close spot for 126?
I live in the US, so travel is less of a problem.
bob
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#142
by
Andrewwski
on 08 Sep, 2008 19:50
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Yes! You won't see much of Endeavour on 39B, because the RSS will be in place. And you'll be at least 12 miles away.
The longer window is a definite positive if you only can be there for a few opportunities, but if you can be there for awhile, that will negate the advantage of the longer window as you can be down for more attempts.
If it's the matter of getting half the distance to the pad, I'd definitely go for it. I've seen one from Titusville and I can't wait to try and see one from the causeway.
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#143
by
jeff2space
on 08 Sep, 2008 20:19
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I have a choice of a public viewing site (e.g. Titusville) for STS-125 or possible Congressional tickets for STS-126. I liked STS-125 because of the larger launch window and seeing two shuttles on the pads at once. Would it be better to wait for the better view if I can get an up-close spot for 126?
I live in the US, so travel is less of a problem.
bob
The obvious solution is go to both launches. But it sounds like you have to make a choice. I'm going in October because I want to see shuttles on both pads but if this is your first and maybe only time you'll see a launch then definitely try to get as close as possible. Just be sure you'll be getting those Congressional tickets before you give up on 125.
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#144
by
fredm6463
on 08 Sep, 2008 20:48
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I know the 6 mile NASA Causeway tickets sold out quickly.
Does any one know how many of these bus tickets are sold and what time of the day it first gets posted for sale on the KSC Visitors Complex web site.
I am going to KSC for STS-125, but for some reason I did not get the e-mail notification that the NASA causeway tickets were on sale on the KSC VC web site.
I saw two launches in early 1990's, pre Internet and 9/11, and recall buying these bus tickets at KSC VC in person.
How does some one get a congressional pass, which I believe would be at the 3 mile limit?
Some times the Internet is not so great.
Thanks
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#145
by
smndk
on 08 Sep, 2008 21:05
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I know the 6 mile NASA Causeway tickets sold out quickly.
Does any one know how many of these bus tickets are sold and what time of the day it first gets posted for sale on the KSC Visitors Complex web site.
I am going to KSC for STS-125, but for some reason I did not get the e-mail notification that the NASA causeway tickets were on sale on the KSC VC web site.
They went for sale at 9 AM EDT. The date and time was listet on
www.ksctickets.com several days (if not weeks) before they went for sale.
It was actually pretty easy for me to buy tickets. The servers handeled the load very well.
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#146
by
jeff2space
on 08 Sep, 2008 21:08
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Does any one know how many of these bus tickets are sold and what time of the day it first gets posted for sale on the KSC Visitors Complex web site.
I am going to KSC for STS-125, but for some reason I did not get the e-mail notification that the NASA causeway tickets were on sale on the KSC VC web site.
How does some one get a congressional pass, which I believe would be at the 3 mile limit?
LTT tickets go on sale approximately six weeks before the scheduled launch, usually a Monday morning at 9:00 AM KSC time. I received my email notification from KSCVC the Friday before they went on sale.
Call your congressman's office regarding passes but I think they go quickly also. I tried to get some for STS-124 a month before launch and they were already given out. I believe now those passes are also for the causeway and not at the 3 mile viewing areas.
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#147
by
bkellysky
on 08 Sep, 2008 21:50
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The Congressional tickets for 125 may be gone. My Congresswoman couldn't get them for me and her contact said they *may* still be some available for 126.
bob
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#148
by
glanmor05
on 08 Sep, 2008 21:57
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In case I ever have a chance to come see a launch, I take it I'd have zero chance of getting one of these tickets (not having a congress person)?
I suppose that's fair as non of my tax dollars (£ actually) go to pay for the SSP.
However, when I visited Capitol Hill (2000), I got a pass (for the underground train ride, cutting out all the queues) from a representative or senator (can't remember which) set aside for non US citizens. No similar system?
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#149
by
Avron
on 09 Sep, 2008 03:08
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Just my ten cents..
If I go and see another launch.. I would hang out in NSF up north and travel south if needed..
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#150
by
yorky10
on 09 Sep, 2008 19:23
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In case I ever have a chance to come see a launch, I take it I'd have zero chance of getting one of these tickets (not having a congress person)?
I suppose that's fair as non of my tax dollars (£ actually) go to pay for the SSP.
However, when I visited Capitol Hill (2000), I got a pass (for the underground train ride, cutting out all the queues) from a representative or senator (can't remember which) set aside for non US citizens. No similar system?
They are the same as LTT's. If you are quick on the button for STS-126 you should get one (or as many as you want to order).
Mine are due in UK Thursday. Got the UPS tracker email yesterday :-)
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#151
by
grafgulch
on 10 Sep, 2008 23:38
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My Causeway tickets came yesterday... hee haw!!. This will be my 1st launch. I can't wait!
I kind of jumped the gun and bought a vacation package when the launch was still scheduled for early morning Oct 8th. The package I bought (which in non-refundable BTW) is for Oct 6th to the 10th. My plane leaves from Orlando at 5:30 pm on the 10th. So, if the shuttle lifts off early morning on the 10th I will be fine, but if it doesn't I will miss my flight. I can't afford to waste the plane tickets and stay another day.
I read in the info NASA sent me I can not resell my tickets and if I do I will could get in big trouble. If they change the launch date again and I know I will miss the launch can I give the tickets away? And if I can give the tickets away can I also sell my prized 1982 bright & shiny penny for around 100 bucks to the same person you would like the tickets? Without getting in trouble?
PG
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#152
by
TNCMAXQ
on 11 Sep, 2008 02:15
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Are KSC LTT tickets transferable in case someone can't use theirs?
I got disappointing news today that my senator's office cannot get a causeway pass for me. I kind of figured interest in this launch would be unusually high. They said I can be put on the list for 126 though so I will aim for that one too. I had considered making two trips anyway so maybe this will work out. I would love to attend the ASF autograph show the weekend of Nov 8 also but staying for the launch after that would mean a longer trip than I can probably take.
Anyway I am considering alternatives for 125, if anyone has suggestions. I see that the Indian River Queen has launch cruises. Anyone done that? Not sure how close they get. One option is watching from Titusville, and I was lucky to get a reservation at one of the riverside hotels. That would be hassle free. I have seen videos of night launches from that area and it looks spectacular from a visual standpoint. The down side is not hearing the roar for over a minute. Not to mention all the launches I have seen in recent years have been from a much closer viewpoint so this could be a bit of a letdown. But we shall see.
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#153
by
Andrewwski
on 11 Sep, 2008 02:17
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Call now and see if you can reschedule your return flight. Usually if you call early enough ahead you can get them changed to a different flight. Sometimes they charge you a fee...if you pester them you might get it waived though. It's usually 10% or 15% of the ticket value to change the flight, this depends on the airline however.
Try to do this, as it's definitely worth the extra bit of money. You won't need to waste the tickets, you can get them changed.
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#154
by
grafgulch
on 11 Sep, 2008 12:03
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Call now and see if you can reschedule your return flight. Usually if you call early enough ahead you can get them changed to a different flight. Sometimes they charge you a fee...if you pester them you might get it waived though. It's usually 10% or 15% of the ticket value to change the flight, this depends on the airline however.
Try to do this, as it's definitely worth the extra bit of money. You won't need to waste the tickets, you can get them changed.
I got a vacation package thru AARP Expedia. I asked them if I could move the whole package up 1 day at least. No deal. OH well.. If the launch date hold I will be fine.
PG
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#155
by
Chris Bergin
on 11 Sep, 2008 13:43
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Are KSC LTT tickets transferable in case someone can't use theirs?
Probably not for security reasons. Today of all days is a good reminder of why it'll be strict.
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#156
by
actionuiuc
on 11 Sep, 2008 14:51
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Are KSC LTT tickets transferable in case someone can't use theirs?
The information sheet you got with your tickets says you'd be breaking Florida St. 817.36 if you resold them. I'm no lawyer, BUT if you read 817.36 it looks to only prevent the sale of tickets for anything above $1 more than face value. They are doing there best to discourage a grey market where people can get ripped off with fake tickets. I can't see you getting in trouble if you just wanted to recoup your money and give someone a chance to see the launch. You will see people trying to sell them for a profit since ticket laws only apply to buyers and sellers who live in the state with the law. If anyone reads this differently please let us know!
Brian
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#157
by
TNCMAXQ
on 11 Sep, 2008 15:22
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"The information sheet you got with your tickets says you'd be breaking Florida St. 817.36 if you resold them. I'm no lawyer, BUT if you read 817.36 it looks to only prevent the sale of tickets for anything above $1 more than face value. They are doing there best to discourage a grey market where people can get ripped off with fake tickets. I can't see you getting in trouble if you just wanted to recoup your money and give someone a chance to see the launch. You will see people trying to sell them for a profit since ticket laws only apply to buyers and sellers who live in the state with the law. If anyone reads this differently please let us know!"
****************
Thanks for the info. I have already seen one on ebay for $900, if I was reading it correctly. I'm not that desperate!
I can understand reselling is prohibited but I wondered if I were to encounter someone who can't make the trip, could they just give the ticket to me? Does the ticket or pass have a name on it, or does your name have to be on a check list before they can let you on the bus? I'm just trying to get some info as I look over my options.
Looks like some flights to Orlando for Oct. 9 are already selling out. I had no trouble finding plenty of avaialbility the last few times I went down there. I wonder if this is a peak travel season for central FL. Plus the following Monday is Columbus Day.
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#158
by
actionuiuc
on 11 Sep, 2008 16:53
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Thanks for the info. I have already seen one on ebay for $900, if I was reading it correctly. I'm not that desperate! I can understand reselling is prohibited but I wondered if I were to encounter someone who can't make the trip, could they just give the ticket to me? Does the ticket or pass have a name on it, or does your name have to be on a check list before they can let you on the bus? I'm just trying to get some info as I look over my options.
None of the tickets or parking pass have any names on. They do have the date and time you bought them with a serial number which I'm sure can be tracked to whoever bought them. Though from all the websites and forums I've read on launches, someone would have said something if you needed to be the person who bought them. Plus when ordering multiple tickets they didn't ask for any other names. Unlike the Congressional VIP tickets. I'm sure there are a few people who had friends log on to get them tickets while they were stuck at work at 9am.
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#159
by
yorky10
on 12 Sep, 2008 12:39
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I kind of jumped the gun and bought a vacation package when the launch was still scheduled for early morning Oct 8th. The package I bought (which in non-refundable BTW) is for Oct 6th to the 10th. My plane leaves from Orlando at 5:30 pm on the 10th. So, if the shuttle lifts off early morning on the 10th I will be fine, but if it doesn't I will miss my flight. I can't afford to waste the plane tickets and stay another day.
PG
I had a similar situation for STS-115. If you remember that launch was a bit of 2 week saga (lightning strikes, Tropical Storm Ernesto, ECO sensor issues) I had a package holiday and I ended up changing my flight home 3 times. All I did was go to the airport at the time I was supposed to fly and ask to change the flight to the following day at the airline desk (ie not through the package company) As someone else as said there will be a charge depending on the airline but it is far easier to reschedule through the airline rather than the package company. As far as the airline is concerned it is a flight ticket and that is all they are interested in. Obviously from that point you will be travelling independently and will need to source additional accomodation, car rental etc.
Hope this helps
I got disappointing news today that my senator's office cannot get a causeway pass for me. I kind of figured interest in this launch would be unusually high. They said I can be put on the list for 126 though so I will aim for that one too. I had considered making two trips anyway so maybe this will work out. I would love to attend the ASF autograph show the weekend of Nov 8 also but staying for the launch after that would mean a longer trip than I can probably take. 