First time seeing a launch in person

[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