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#340
by
psloss
on 17 Apr, 2009 10:03
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On the STS-125 launch day, only the Pad A RSS will be retracted. The Pad B RSS will still be extended around Endeavour.
Yeah, today is the only time both Rotating Service Structures will be retracted at the same time (with vehicles at the pad). For the 125 launch, the STS-400 shuttle will look unexceptional for a typical day in the middle of a pad flow.
As noted before, you'd need a north-facing location to see the orbiter with the RSS retracted, anyway. Titusville doesn't provide a view like that. Closest place is the causeway.
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#341
by
LSenus
on 17 Apr, 2009 13:44
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On the STS-125 launch day, only the Pad A RSS will be retracted. The Pad B RSS will still be extended around Endeavour.
Yeah, today is the only time both Rotating Service Structures will be retracted at the same time (with vehicles at the pad). For the 125 launch, the STS-400 shuttle will look unexceptional for a typical day in the middle of a pad flow.
As noted before, you'd need a north-facing location to see the orbiter with the RSS retracted, anyway. Titusville doesn't provide a view like that. Closest place is the causeway.
Maybe Govt. Rd., N. Courtenay Pkwy (if they're open), or Port Canaveral (a little far) as alternates then.
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#342
by
psloss
on 17 Apr, 2009 13:58
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Maybe Govt. Rd., N. Courtenay Pkwy (if they're open), or Port Canaveral (a little far) as alternates then.
Haven't been over to Port Canaveral for a Delta launch, so don't know about the view of the Shuttle pads from there, but it's difficult to see the pads on S.R. 3, as they are obscured by the "scrub brush line." Govt Rd may be open for a while, but that's as far north as you can get on S.R. 3 unless you work at the Space Center. That's over by the Visitor's Complex and you can't see the pads from there. Up on the bridges over the intercoastal waterway might provide a glimpse, but I'm usually trying to concentrate on driving while going over them.
In my opinion, the inability to clearly see the vehicle doesn't detract much from the view of the shuttle pads from Titusville. You have a largely unobstructed view of Launch Complex 39 and the CCAFS pads to the south.
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#343
by
LostInSpace
on 17 Apr, 2009 15:35
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The views from the port and Jetty Park are obstructed. You can see the xenons in the sky but no orbiter. The port is 12 miles away.
Best bet is to pull over (carefully!) on the west bound side of 528, near the port exits.
Another option is to pull over (carefully!) on the road by the cruise ships, Port Exit "A" north of the drawbridges.
Bring binoculars.
Jetty Park is primo viewing for Delta II and that is all.
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#344
by
vipermaster
on 17 Apr, 2009 18:24
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Hi,
Also hoping to see the shuttle launch from the causeway. I've got 2 questions. Does anybody know if it is possible the day before the launch to already use the visitor ticket & use it again the day of the launch. Or is it only possible to use the 7 day re-entry after the launchday?
Also if visiting the KSC visitor complex the day before, and taking the tour , will the rss be already retracted. I've got pictues from 2 years back with the rss around the shuttle. Would like to take some without the rss.
greetings,
Mike
ps:By the way , this is the best info forum on the planet about spaceflights.
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#345
by
LSenus
on 17 Apr, 2009 19:13
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I figured from looking at Google Earth that SR-3 might have a Tree-line/Brush-line problem. Port C. sounds like a no go because of the combination of the distance and the RSS being in the way. The 1500mm should deal with the 12-13 miles if I could get high enough, but if I'm going to have the RSS in the way any way, might as well hit SR-1 and see what’s available.
The Miracle City Mall may provide some elevation with a line of sight north of the VAB and south of the end of the runway, depending of course on vegetation.
Does anyone know about 401/402 Max Brewer Mem. Pkwy.? Does it get closed at some time prior to a launch? Where do the closures happen?
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#346
by
mixologist07
on 17 Apr, 2009 21:01
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I'm looking for one or two Causeway LTT passes, if anybody has some they'd like to part with. I realize a begging post like this for someone's first contribution here is completely classless, I apologize!
Please drop me a private message here if you can help. Thanks!
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#347
by
astrobrian
on 18 Apr, 2009 01:57
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I figured from looking at Google Earth that SR-3 might have a Tree-line/Brush-line problem. Port C. sounds like a no go because of the combination of the distance and the RSS being in the way. The 1500mm should deal with the 12-13 miles if I could get high enough, but if I'm going to have the RSS in the way any way, might as well hit SR-1 and see what’s available.
The Miracle City Mall may provide some elevation with a line of sight north of the VAB and south of the end of the runway, depending of course on vegetation.
Does anyone know about 401/402 Max Brewer Mem. Pkwy.? Does it get closed at some time prior to a launch? Where do the closures happen?
Pretty sure that is the same causeway we saw 126 from, was a good show there but not sure on how the different orbit would change where she goes and whether or not the srb plume would get in the way of things once she gets high enough.
Anyone on here remember the 109 launch to provide insight on this?
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#348
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 18 Apr, 2009 02:15
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I figured from looking at Google Earth that SR-3 might have a Tree-line/Brush-line problem. Port C. sounds like a no go because of the combination of the distance and the RSS being in the way. The 1500mm should deal with the 12-13 miles if I could get high enough, but if I'm going to have the RSS in the way any way, might as well hit SR-1 and see what’s available.
The Miracle City Mall may provide some elevation with a line of sight north of the VAB and south of the end of the runway, depending of course on vegetation.
Does anyone know about 401/402 Max Brewer Mem. Pkwy.? Does it get closed at some time prior to a launch? Where do the closures happen?
Pretty sure that is the same causeway we saw 126 from, was a good show there but not sure on how the different orbit would change where she goes and whether or not the srb plume would get in the way of things once she gets high enough.
Anyone on here remember the 109 launch to provide insight on this?
Astrobrian, where I told you to watch 126 from is NOT a great location to watch 125 from. The SRB plume will obscure the vehicle from view starting about 1min 30secs after liftoff.
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#349
by
Lee Jay
on 21 Apr, 2009 01:59
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#350
by
LSenus
on 21 Apr, 2009 13:31
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I was figuring the 401/402 area for Mon. night "artistic" type shots of the oribiter lit with the xenons. LMSenus & I have causeway tix on-site for the actual launch.
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#351
by
Ford Mustang
on 21 Apr, 2009 23:11
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Larry Sullivan (lsullivan411) went to KSC today and took the standard tour, as the Up Close tour
does not go past the public viewing until Endeavour is off Pad B, and took some shots of Atlantis and Endeavour, here's a good one of Atlantis.
PM lsullivan411 if you want to full resolution image:
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#352
by
floron
on 21 Apr, 2009 23:59
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Is there any point getting the up-close tour at all? Does it go anywhere that the regular tour wouldn't go, apart from the pads?
Looking on the bright side, even the regular tour is still going to get a lot closer to a shuttle than i am right now...
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#353
by
jeff2space
on 22 Apr, 2009 00:34
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Is there any point getting the up-close tour at all? Does it go anywhere that the regular tour wouldn't go, apart from the pads?
Looking on the bright side, even the regular tour is still going to get a lot closer to a shuttle than i am right now...
Although the Up Close tour will not get any closer to the pads than the regular tour now that both pads are occupied, it does take you to the causeway, SLF, and stops next to the VAB for photos.
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#354
by
surprise82
on 22 Apr, 2009 01:51
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Any hopes for Launch Transporation tickets that may miraculous be available? I already have tickets for the visitor's center- but heard the causeway is better... I've never been to a launch before and very excited about this one!
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#355
by
carolina canuck
on 22 Apr, 2009 18:20
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Just bought LTT tickets from Grayline - so now I need to sell my KSC tickets - have 3 - pm me if you are interested
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#356
by
Bubbinski
on 22 Apr, 2009 22:08
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Looks like they might move the launch up to 2:01 pm Eastern on May 11th. I'm glad I'm flying in on the 10th. And the "two fer" looks like it's still on with the Delta launching in the later part of the week.
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#357
by
Andrewwski
on 22 Apr, 2009 22:18
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Hello together.
For the first time I will see a launch. I'm coming from Germany and have no idea where the best place is to see the lift off. I have booked a hotel in Cocoa Beach. I hope, somebody can give me some hints.
Thank you!!
Didn't see a reply to your post (may have glanced over it though), so my recommendation is to go to Titusville. LTT's are all sold out, as are Visitors Center tickets. Don't get the ones for the astronaut HOF - that is in Titusville, but they're charging you for an obstructed view when you can get a better one for free.
Drive up US1 about 4-5 hours before launch and you'll notice a ton of places along the river you can view from in Titusville. If you get there early enough, Space View Park is supposed to be a good place to watch from, although in my single experience it got crowded very early.
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#358
by
vipermaster
on 22 Apr, 2009 23:24
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Hi,
I've got the following tickets in case anybody is intrested:
4 adults & 2 child ticket for viewing launch from the KSC with car pass
2 adults View launch from causeway LTT + car pass.
In case anybody is intrested , give me a PM.
Best regards,
Mike
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#359
by
comethunter
on 23 Apr, 2009 04:24
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I figured from looking at Google Earth that SR-3 might have a Tree-line/Brush-line problem. Port C. sounds like a no go because of the combination of the distance and the RSS being in the way. The 1500mm should deal with the 12-13 miles if I could get high enough, but if I'm going to have the RSS in the way any way, might as well hit SR-1 and see what’s available.
The Miracle City Mall may provide some elevation with a line of sight north of the VAB and south of the end of the runway, depending of course on vegetation.
Does anyone know about 401/402 Max Brewer Mem. Pkwy.? Does it get closed at some time prior to a launch? Where do the closures happen?
Pretty sure that is the same causeway we saw 126 from, was a good show there but not sure on how the different orbit would change where she goes and whether or not the srb plume would get in the way of things once she gets high enough.
Anyone on here remember the 109 launch to provide insight on this?
I made it a point to pull out my camcorder videos last night to review this. For STS-109 launch, our location was approx. 3/4 mile north of the mall/JC Penney (US 1) in Titusville. We had two camcorders and my brother shot the up close while I shot the wide angle so I could see it. At that position, considering the 28.5 inclination, SRB plume obstructed the vehicle from T+1:23 to +1:42 as it went "over the hill." It will appear to arc left to right (again, as it goes "over the hill"). IMO, don't go any further north.
STS-125 (credit to someone who said it before) - The LAST GREAT SHUTTLE ADVENTURE!
