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#300
by
jacqmans
on 10 Apr, 2009 09:38
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OK. Seeing as how we're now one month out from the scheduled launch of STS-125 I thought it time to announce that I'm, once again, offering to put together a dinner for NSF members the day before launch. Anyone who is coming over, down, up, (sideways? lol) for this launch (as well as those who live in the area) who are interested in meeting up with follow NSF members for dinner just send me a PM. I will take care of all the coordination involved and inform you in a timely manner.
I did this once before back in November for STS-126 and it was a great success! I was not able to offer this for STS-119 for various reason but I figure it would be GREAT to meet for the final Hubble mission!
For those of you requiring advanced notice on times and such, I will schedule dinner at a restaurant in Titusville for 6pm-ish the DAY BEFORE LAUNCH.
For all of you who are traveling for this launch, I wish you all safe travels.
-- Chris G.
Sign me up
Looking forward to seeing you again... But Chris de night before launch should you not be at the press site, or RSS retract ?..
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#301
by
JohnH
on 10 Apr, 2009 10:25
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Flying over from the UK for this launch, my first, so really looking forward to it. Am staying in Titusville for a few days so would be great to join you guys for dinner, let me have details please.
Joined your site a few months back, so far just been reading, its so fantastic I've just signed up for L2, congrats on what is best site of this type on the web.
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#302
by
LMSenus
on 10 Apr, 2009 13:09
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Chris, you can count us in. Sent you a PM.
For any of you who have gone to a launch before and been on the causeway, my husband has a photography-related question:
If you're using an SLR camera (digital), what lenses did you use? He's particularly interested in what size telephoto you used, and if you were pleased with the results. Thanks in advance for any guidance.
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#303
by
Andrewwski
on 10 Apr, 2009 14:27
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I know a few people that might be attending this launch.. and as it's not going to the ISS, and the inclination is different, will you still get a good view from Titusville? Or is there an optimal point around the launch site that you can attend as a spectator?
I've not gone to a launch, nor seen anything other than the ISS launches...
Thanks much.
Yes, Titusville will be fine. Titusville is directly across from the pads - so you'll see the launch fine. It won't arc to the north from that POV, but I don't think the actual view is any different.
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#304
by
Bubbinski
on 10 Apr, 2009 16:02
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PM sent....I'm in Chris. Looking forward to this!
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#305
by
CJones5461
on 10 Apr, 2009 16:10
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Chris, I also PM'd you about the dinner.
Also, I thought I read somewhere yesterday that RSS to park was sometime around 5 PM. If you can watch this from across the water, I sure would like to get some pictures. If that's possible, anyone interested in meeting up somewhere to watch and then heading to dinner from there?
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#306
by
psloss
on 10 Apr, 2009 16:19
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Chris, I also PM'd you about the dinner.
Also, I thought I read somewhere yesterday that RSS to park was sometime around 5 PM. If you can watch this from across the water, I sure would like to get some pictures. If that's possible, anyone interested in meeting up somewhere to watch and then heading to dinner from there?
You'd need a more or less north-facing view of the pad in order to see much. From Titusville, which faces east to the pads, the vehicle is blocked by both the Fixed Service Structure and the RSS (in mate position, park position, and in between).
If it's not too steamy, the sight of the pad lit up with the floodlights on is still spectacular.
If I can get down there for the dinner, I would want to have a look from SR-1 after it gets dark, regardless.
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#307
by
eastcoast
on 10 Apr, 2009 16:50
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Hi Guys
I am new to this forum and never been to a launch,myself and a good buddy of mine have booked a flight and hotel for the STS 125 launch and also booked a VIP Shuttle Launch package with Titusville Tours.Does anyone have experience with them and where might they drop us off to view the launch?
Dave
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#308
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 10 Apr, 2009 17:42
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But Chris de night before launch should you not be at the press site, or RSS retract ?..
Ha ha ha. Right. (Slaps hand to forehead). Forgot about that. Ok... I'll work on the timing of this. Dinner WILL NOT be at 6pm since RSS retract is ~5pm and I'll be at Pad-A for that. OK everyone. Stay tuned. I'll get this figured out.
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#309
by
LMSenus
on 10 Apr, 2009 18:11
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If it's not too steamy, the sight of the pad lit up with the floodlights on is still spectacular.
If I can get down there for the dinner, I would want to have a look from SR-1 after it gets dark, regardless.
In that case, I'll make sure Leo brings his camera rig along...
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#310
by
floron
on 10 Apr, 2009 19:00
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If you're using an SLR camera (digital), what lenses did you use? He's particularly interested in what size telephoto you used, and if you were pleased with the results.
there are a bunch of photos up on Flickr of various shuttle launches...there's often lens info included. seems like you'd need at least a 200mm, more like a 300mm to get decent shots.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=shuttle+causeway+300mmalso, check out Ben Coopers awesome website:
http://www.launchphotography.com/STS-119.htmli've just got a shiny new DSLR and hope to be able to take some nice pics and video myself...
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#311
by
Bubbinski
on 10 Apr, 2009 20:22
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Guess what....those of us visiting for the STS-125 launch MIGHT get a two-fer:
The Delta 4 (medium) that was supposed to launch the GOES satellite just got delayed from 4/28 to the week of 5/12. If this is the case, I'm hoping to get a good look at both launches, and I'll check the rest of this forum to see what viewing info there is for ELV launches.
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#312
by
tim202
on 10 Apr, 2009 20:54
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Guess what....those of us visiting for the STS-125 launch MIGHT get a two-fer:
The Delta 4 (medium) that was supposed to launch the GOES satellite just got delayed from 4/28 to the week of 5/12. If this is the case, I'm hoping to get a good look at both launches, and I'll check the rest of this forum to see what viewing info there is for ELV launches.
Oh That would be soooo cool!!!
Please keep us informed !!
Thanks, Tim
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#313
by
sue_z_d
on 11 Apr, 2009 03:52
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Anyone have a couple LTT tickets for STS-125 to sell?
I've really appreciated the great info on this site.
Thanks very much,
Sue
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#314
by
Bubbinski
on 11 Apr, 2009 16:54
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"Please keep us informed !!
Thanks, Tim "
This site and a few others will have updated launch date and time information - the ELV discussion (and thread for the GOES-O launch) is under "US Launchers". I found something that ought to be helpful for those who might want to view that launch after STS-125 gets into orbit:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Launch_Viewing.htmlThanks to the person who put that together (Ben Cooper).
Back on topic - tomorrow it'll be one month till the Hubble servicing mission blasts off!
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#315
by
bobswife91
on 11 Apr, 2009 19:08
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I have tickets that I bought for this launch when it was supposed to take off 10/8/08. We cannot attend. If anyone is interested I have 4 adult tickets to the Causeway, plus dine w/the Astronaut. Please email me privately for information
[email protected].
Thanks,
Laura
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#316
by
floron
on 12 Apr, 2009 00:42
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RSS retract is ~5pm and I'll be at Pad-A for that.
Where would be the best place to see the RSS retract from (aside from the pad itself... 
)? Would they still be running bus tours from the visitor center at that time? The last tour leaves at 3.45 and runs for approx 2 hours, at least on a regular day...
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#317
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 12 Apr, 2009 03:29
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Back on topic - tomorrow it'll be one month till the Hubble servicing mission blasts off!
And the 48th anniversary of the first manned spaceflight and 28th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle flight.
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#318
by
bkellysky
on 13 Apr, 2009 13:28
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I just heard from my Congresswomen's office last night - NASA has tickets for us for STS-125 !
Ironically, it was the original flight I requested, but they could not get tickets for me at that time. I guess they had some cancellations. The tickets are supposed to arrive within a week.
bob
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#319
by
darmok
on 14 Apr, 2009 03:45
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I'm brand new to this site and this is my first post. I've scheduled a trip to FL (from the northwest) for the May 12 launch. I came across this site while doing research for my trip and I was hooked from the beginning. The thing that impresses me the most is the level of enthusiasm among the members.
I have a ticket for the causeway viewing area and wonder if there are any restrictions to the type of photo gear I'll be allowed to bring. I have a medium size backpack-type bag for my photo gear and also plan on bringing a small tipod. I would also like to bring a small bag for snacks and water. Will this be a problem?
This will be my first live launch, so any advice is sincerely appreciated.
)? Would they still be running bus tours from the visitor center at that time? The last tour leaves at 3.45 and runs for approx 2 hours, at least on a regular day...