First time seeing a launch in person

[MTAS]

Hello everyone - my son and I drove over to KSC on 5/31 to watch Discovery go up.  We parked near the 405 (Columbia Blvd) overpass of Hwy 1, and stood on the overpass itself for the launch.  While it was great to be there with my son and experience it together, I'm wondering if I missed something    I was expecting to feel the ground shake and hear the sky being ripped apart.  It took about 30-35 seconds for us to hear anything, and that was only a very low rumble.  I'm a huge fan of our space program, and was hoping a launch in person would be an emotional experience, but was let down in that aspect.  I'll definitely go again, but see a night launch from Cocoa and see how that works out.  I was ready to compare the experience to standing near a Top Fuel Funny Car/Dragster when it goes down the track.
Also, why are there no launches until October?

[Chris Bergin]

Also, why are there no launches until October?

I'm going to merge this into the viewing thread (we have one for viewing the launch and another for on orbit), but to answer this question.

1) It's a dual processing flow, i.e. Endeavour is being processing for STS-126 in November, but she has to be on Pad 39B in October as a rescue - Launch On Need) requirement (LON/STS-400) for Atlantis.

2) Atlantis being the orbiter tasked with STS-125 to Hubble. Because she's going to Hubble, there's no safe haven of the ISS, so Endeavour needs to be ready to launch on a rescue within a few days, to a week max, should there be a serious problem with Atlantis.

3) Why October? Because with a dual flow, two External Tanks are required to be at KSC by the summer for both orbiters. There have been delays in the shipping of these tanks (ET-127 and ET-129).

If you read the latest article on site I've written, you'll see the second half of the story is about Endeavour. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5443

In fact, let's just throw some articles at you

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5219 - LON/STS-400 (note this was before the delays)

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5396 - STS-125's delay

Those two will answer a lot of questions.

[nacnud]

It took about 30-35 seconds for us to hear anything

Remember the speed of sound is only 330 meters per second. So it takes 5 seconds to cover a mile, a 30 second delay put you about 6 miles away. Is that about right?

[Jim]

That point is more like 12 -14 miles away

[MTAS]

That point is more like 12 -14 miles away

Oh sheesh, no wonder!  Well next time I'll leave the house earlier to get closer.  Thanks for the info everyone, I appreciate it.

[jeff2space]

MTAS-I've been to three launches now, all from the NASA Causeway, and each one has been different.  STS-116 was my first experience and I too thought it would of been louder but it wasn't.  However, that launch you could actually smell the booster exhaust after awhile from where I was standing.  During STS-120 I hardly heard anything.  STS-124 actually was the loudest launch I've seen and you could actually feel it.  It all depends and where you are and the weather/wind conditions.  I'm also an NHRA fan and there's no comparision to the sound and force behind a nitro car, then again you can get a lot closer to a dragster than the shuttle.

[K8B]

We saw STS-117 June 2007 and we did notice the delay and you can see the sound wave coming across the (is it the Banana) river to the causeway as you are hit with the wall of sound - the delay is heard in the launch video I have as well.

The wind wasn't as high at the causeway for 117 as the STS-124 launch on May 2008 (or it was blowing in a direction that you notice more). The first thing I said, after Discovery could not longer be seen, was - Is it just me, or was that a much louder launch than last years?!?. I do realize the time of day, temperature, and humidity play factors in this. Just as comparison - 117 was at 7:30ish pm (with less temp & humidity) than the 5:02pm launch of 124 - and it was much hotter/humid. I'd imagine the colder night launch at 2 in the morning would have been quite a bit different.

I didn't know if it was because my brain was able to process the experience better this launch as you kind of know what to expect... or if it was actually louder. Glad to hear others felt the same.

MTAS-I've been to three launches now, all from the NASA Causeway, and each one has been different.  STS-116 was my first experience and I too thought it would of been louder but it wasn't.  However, that launch you could actually smell the booster exhaust after awhile from where I was standing.  During STS-120 I hardly heard anything.  STS-124 actually was the loudest launch I've seen and you could actually feel it.  It all depends and where you are and the weather/wind conditions.  I'm also an NHRA fan and there's no comparision to the sound and force behind a nitro car, then again you can get a lot closer to a dragster than the shuttle.

[Bruce]

STS-124 was my first launch too. I was expecting it to be loud. Louder than it actually was. But it was 7 miles away, so considering that, it's loud. I wasn't expecting to feel the sound, so I wasn't disappointed.

I was so busy looking at the shuttle, that sound was secondary. I could see the shuttle until just after SRB separation, so that's about 2 minutes. But right afterwards it seemed like it was only about 20 seconds. And now even less.

I would describe the launch as being about as loud as watching a jet take off, except that it's 7 miles away.

I'd like to get to see another launch. If I can't get to the causeway again, then I'd definitely want to watch it from the north side, so you see it fly overhead. I'm sure that would look and sound very different than from the south.

[Andrewwski]

I saw STS-118 in Titusville - about 12 miles away - and it was much louder than I expected.  I realized ahead of time that it probably wouldn't be too loud from that distance, but I was pleasently surprised.

[Rocket Nut]

I've been able to see many launches, once very close as part of the mission support team for 51-C. It is always fun to hear all of the tourists' oohs and aahs at launch, then to hear the same thing again when the roar of the rockets reaches the viewing location.  This time, the sounds reached us before SRB separation.  We were south of the causeway...lots of boat traffic just beyond the perimeter.  We are thinking of kayaking next time so we can get beyond the prohibited area for motorized boats.  We have kayaked there before, just not on launch day.

We saw STS-117 June 2007 and we did notice the delay and you can see the sound wave coming across the (is it the Banana) river to the causeway as you are hit with the wall of sound - the delay is heard in the launch video I have as well.

The wind wasn't as high at the causeway for 117 as the STS-124 launch on May 2008 (or it was blowing in a direction that you notice more). The first thing I said, after Discovery could not longer be seen, was - Is it just me, or was that a much louder launch than last years?!?. I do realize the time of day, temperature, and humidity play factors in this. Just as comparison - 117 was at 7:30ish pm (with less temp & humidity) than the 5:02pm launch of 124 - and it was much hotter/humid. I'd imagine the colder night launch at 2 in the morning would have been quite a bit different.

I didn't know if it was because my brain was able to process the experience better this launch as you kind of know what to expect... or if it was actually louder. Glad to hear others felt the same.

MTAS-I've been to three launches now, all from the NASA Causeway, and each one has been different.  STS-116 was my first experience and I too thought it would of been louder but it wasn't.  However, that launch you could actually smell the booster exhaust after awhile from where I was standing.  During STS-120 I hardly heard anything.  STS-124 actually was the loudest launch I've seen and you could actually feel it.  It all depends and where you are and the weather/wind conditions.  I'm also an NHRA fan and there's no comparision to the sound and force behind a nitro car, then again you can get a lot closer to a dragster than the shuttle.

[Andrewwski]

So wait...boating restrictions do not apply to unpowered boats?

I know the boating restrictions forbid being north of the 528 causeway in the Banana, but kayaks/canoes could go further?

[Rocket Nut]

There are (or used to be) signs at the power lines just north of the cruise terminals that noted manatee zones and prohibitions against motorized boats north of the power lines.  I have kayaked north of the power lines, but not on launch day.

I have never tried to go as far north as the NASA causeway.  I would imagine there would be signs denoting a security zone up there.

So wait...boating restrictions do not apply to unpowered boats?

I know the boating restrictions forbid being north of the 528 causeway in the Banana, but kayaks/canoes could go further?

[Andrewwski]

OK, so that probably means that's a restricted area for launch.  When I was planning out my trip for STS-118, it seemed like the closest you could get on the water was in the Indian offshore from Titusville.  We were going to do that, but ended up just driving to Titusville (it was way to hot to sail that day).

[Austin]

Atmospheric conditions definitely have an effect on the acoustics of a launch.  High humidity tends to have a dampening effect on the sound waves.  (Think atmospheric sound suppression!) Low humidity launches (a rarity on Florida), for example, during the winter months, are best.  As mentioned earlier, wind speed and direction also come into play. 

Make sure you are closer to the launch site next time either way.  I have viewed from Titusville and could definitely feel both the sound and vibration.  It was humbling.

Good luck!

[shuttlepilot]

Hello, I am going to be there in October to witness STS-125 launch and landing. I have already asked this question in the STS-125 viewing topic, but looks like not many people visit it. Is it possible to witness the launch from the Indian River, and is it fully available?

And my second question is: can anyone who is not an U.S. citizen get a VIP ticket to the launch? I would like to send a message to an U.S. senator or congressman (especially to a Polonic one, if there's any), say him few nice words, tell something about myself and maybe he will try to get them for me... I don't think my chances are big, but it's always good to try.

[K8B]

I do not believe the VIP Congressional are available to anyone outside ones state. for example - US citizens are to request them only from their own state - which would likely mean that - IF you don't live in a US state - you don't get tickets in that way.

Congressional tickets are for the SAME viewing area as those buying causeway viewing tickets either from the Kennedy Space Center website -or- from Florida bus services (like greyhound and others) that offer packages to the causeway viewing area.

I know a canadian lady we met at the launch got a last minute ticket (she was going to pass it up when it was offered to her). Her hotel offered it to her... and she eventually took it (the night before the launch). So apparently some hotels have them as well. I know she was staying at a resort that was near Walt Disney World.

Hope that helps. I think they have opened a viewing thread on the STS-125 forum when you might want to post in the future and this post may get moved.

And my second question is: can anyone who is not an U.S. citizen get a VIP ticket to the launch? I would like to send a message to an U.S. senator or congressman (especially to a Polonic one, if there's any), say him few nice words, tell something about myself and maybe he will try to get them for me... I don't think my chances are big, but it's always good to try.

[NASAAN101]

i would love to see a shuttle launch, what should i know as far as what to except.. i've sseen six launch on to we have a big-screen TV. what is it like in person?
NIKKI

[Orbiter]

Ive Seen, STS-93 (Which in that situation, listening to the Radio, we about packed up our Car and Drive to the Runway for an RTLS Abort) STS-107 (I really hate to think about it.) STS-114, STS-116, STS-117, STS-124.

[Andrewwski]

i would love to see a shuttle launch, what should i know as far as what to except.. i've sseen six launch on to we have a big-screen TV. what is it like in person?
NIKKI

The level of detail you get on TV isn't there...you don't see the different camera angles, etc.  With binoculars you can see quite a bit of detail, but not what you see on TV.  And the sound is delayed and it's not as loud.

Don't think that it's not awesome though.  It's very unique and awesome to be standing there looking at it, see the very orange flame (it's a deep orange in real life, not the yellowish-white it shows on TV) rising through the sky.  If you look hard enough you can follow the SRB's through binoculars for awhile as they fall.  It's an amazing sight.

[Bruce]

I've seen many launches on the TV. Before broadband became available, I only got to see it when on the news (only a brief view). With broadband, I was able to watch the whole NASA event online.

I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch in person, and was very lucky to be able to see STS-124 from the NASA causeway. It was fantastic. If you're in the US, and obviously interested enough to post on this forum, then you really should go see a launch. Only a handful left, and of course every one could be the last ever launch. Do it while you can.

Like many things in life, watching it on TV isn't quite the same.

[kraisee]

Plan a trip down to Florida before the Shuttle retires.   You'll always regret it otherwise.

The launches are spectacular for any first-timer    You won't be dissapointed - unless they scrub - but that's why you give yourself a week in town, to give yourself the best possible chance of seeing it go.   And the rest of the time you can do the "Orlando Theme Park" thang or just sit on the beach and soak up the rays (factor 30-50 recommended for everyone or you'll be really hurtin' by the end of a summer's day!).

Cocoa Beach is a nice quiet beach resort town.   Orlando is a tourist mecca just 50 minutes away.   You can't go wrong as a vacation spot IMHO.

Ross.

[William Barton]

I had a press pass to STS-1 and watched the launch standing next to the countdown sign (I am visible in the most commonly shown TV video clip of the launch, green shirt, longish hair, binoculars to my face, looking transfixed). It was a stunning experience I recommend to anyone who can manage it. I'm hoping to make the last launch as well.

As far as noise went, it seemed loud enough from only 3 miles away (I think), with a strong kinesthetic sense of vibration in my chest. Old timers who were covering the launch (this was still the Cronkheit era) told me Apollo seemed quite a bit louder. I wish I had been able to go to one of those, but I was a poverty stricken college kid back then.

[cb6785]

if i should get my new job i would be in the US next fall so i would definetly try to see sts-129 or 130

[kraisee]

Do it if you can.

Seeing a big rocket fly is "one of those things" that everyone should do before they die!

And don't forget to ask here for advice about where to stay and where to watch from.   You'll get good advice from the posse here

Ross.

[Bubbinski]

"Seeing a big rocket fly is "one of those things" that everyone should do before they die!"

Amen, preach it brother!

I've seen 2 shuttle launches from KSC, STS-104 and STS-117.  104 launched at night and turned night into day.  So spectacular!  And 117 was the first launch I got successful pictures of, it was great seeing the shuttle climbing on the smoke trail and the SRB separation.  The SRB exhaust is so bright, it dazzled my eyes.

I'm jonesing for another launch, I'd love to go to a third launch before shuttle retires and will see if I can arrange it.

[NASAAN101]

how lond is it when your there? i've ask my mom a few time if we could go down and see a launch in person.. i would love to be in the launch control center with mike and his launch team.. that would be fun.. tobad you can't right..
NIKKI

[DaveJes1979]

It looks like the next 2 shuttle launches will be night launches.  Am I reading the launch schedules right?

I have only seen two *unmanned* launches so far up close (within 10 miles), the recent Delta 2 from Vandenberg and an Atlas V from KSC.  I can only imagine what a shuttle is like, having over 7 million pounds of liftoff thrust, considering that the Delta 2 only has around 1 million pounds.  I hope I'll get to see it before it retires, because I doubt there will be any other heavy lifters for a decade (if at all, given the dubious political future of Ares V).

My guess is that the final shuttle launch will be an absolute ZOO, and fighting the crowds for viewing it will be hellish.  Hopefully I can make it out before the final launch.

When I visited KSC for the Atlas launch, they had us view it from the Saturn V museum, which was an excellent viewing site (it would be DYNAMITE for a shuttle launch).  I don't know why they don't make it available for shuttle launches (is it for VIPs?).

[Andrewwski]

Yes, Banana Creek is the VIP site for shuttle launches.  It seems next to impossible to get out there unless you know someone.  Even the tickets from Congressmen are for the Causeway.

[John2375]

Ive Seen, STS-93 (Which in that situation, listening to the Radio, we about packed up our Car and Drive to the Runway for an RTLS Abort) STS-107 (I really hate to think about it.) STS-114, STS-116, STS-117, STS-124.

I was at STS-93 too.  You could've packed up your car to head for the runway, but guess what Security would've had different ideas LOL

[John2375]

Yes, Banana Creek is the VIP site for shuttle launches.  It seems next to impossible to get out there unless you know someone.  Even the tickets from Congressmen are for the Causeway.

Has this changed recently? I was a VIP for STS-85, 92, and 105 and viewed from the Saturn V center all 3 times.. was thinking of trying for one more next year maybe before the program ends..

[DaveJes1979]

Does anyone know where the press viewing site is?  I have scanned google maps and google earth, but I cannot see anything that could be a press site.  Supposedly it is east of the VAB a ways.

I wonder if I can get a press pass to photograph a shuttle launch.  I'm sure our little town newspaper would credential me for a one-off gig like this.

[Andrewwski]

Yes, Banana Creek is the VIP site for shuttle launches.  It seems next to impossible to get out there unless you know someone.  Even the tickets from Congressmen are for the Causeway.

Has this changed recently? I was a VIP for STS-85, 92, and 105 and viewed from the Saturn V center all 3 times.. was thinking of trying for one more next year maybe before the program ends..

Every time I read someone say they got Congressional tickets on these forums, they were for the causeway.

I guess it probably depends on if there's any Banana Creek passes left.  I'm going to try to get some for next summer, I'd be awesome if they were from there.

[Jim]

Does anyone know where the press viewing site is?  I have scanned google maps and google earth, but I cannot see anything that could be a press site.  Supposedly it is east of the VAB a ways.

I wonder if I can get a press pass to photograph a shuttle launch.  I'm sure our little town newspaper would credential me for a one-off gig like this.

Here is the press site
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cape+canaveral&ie=UTF8&ll=28.582044,-80.645506&spn=0.004541,0.006652&t=h&z=17&iwloc=addr

The countdown clock is at the end of the path from the parking lot

[DaveJes1979]

Thanks for the info, Jim.  Very helpful.

My backup plan involves scuba gear and a waterproof GPS unit.  While of questionable legality, I estimate I can get a good view only 3000 feet from the shuttle at liftoff.  It might be a tad noisy.

[maxx]

Thanks for the info, Jim.  Very helpful.

My backup plan involves scuba gear and a waterproof GPS unit.  While of questionable legality, I estimate I can get a good view only 3000 feet from the shuttle at liftoff.  It might be a tad noisy.

Take a weapon or something with you... You might want to defend yourself against this

I want to see the launch of STS-125, but things are not going as planned...
 

[DaveJes1979]

Take a weapon or something with you... You might want to defend yourself against this

Heh.  Well, I wasn't talking about coming in from the west.  Those fellas won't be on the ocean side.

[Andrewwski]

As long as you don't mind these then...

[NASAAN101]

Just once i when to see shuttle Discovery Launchin to space. i know you guys are going to thing my crazy, but she like a sister to me.. even if we never met.. after were lost her older sister i was heartbroken if we ever lost her i'd be crying for day on end..
NIKKI