Author Topic: STS-127 Endeavour: Viewing (Going to launch, etc.) (Read 76916 times)

Ford Mustang · « **on:** 04/21/2009 11:15 pm »

Post here if you are going to see Endeavour's STS-127 launch and want to meet up with a few other folks here on NASASpaceFlight, any other shots of Endeavour while out of the VAB, or viewing questions.

I'll kick the thread off with a shot of Endeavour at Pad B, taken by Larry Sullivan (lsullivan411) today from the public viewing at KSC.

PM lsullivan411 if you'd like the full resolution image:

Aobrien · « **Reply #1 on:** 04/21/2009 11:23 pm »

What would they do about STS-400 launch tickets if they sadly had to launch it? Just curious.

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #2 on:** 04/22/2009 12:22 am »

Quote from: Spaceboy7441 on 04/21/2009 11:23 pm

What would they do about STS-400 launch tickets if they sadly had to launch it? Just curious.

Don't think there will be any dedicated STS-400 launch tickets.

Captain Kirk · « **Reply #3 on:** 05/08/2009 05:00 am »

I'm really watching the possibility of attending this launch. Last year, I was at KSC while Discovery was on the pad [May 2008] and this year I'd really like to see a launch. I missed the launch of STS-3 by ONE day!!

[Yes, now you know I'm an "old timer", although I was in high school at that time]. Back then, the KSC tour buses let you off to walk around the pad perimeter fence and I could see Columbia's tank and solids from Pad B, where we were.

If I come to Florida, I would love to share some quality "geek" time with all of my fellow space-buffs, fans and industry people. Will keep you up to date.

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #4 on:** 05/08/2009 08:49 pm »

No worries, Captain Kirk (man that sounds odd to say). I'll be putting some sort of get together in place for STS-127. If you can make, you're more than welcome to join us. I'll have more detail once STS-125 is complete.

Captain Kirk · « **Reply #5 on:** 05/11/2009 04:18 am »

Thank you, Mr. Gebhardt. I look forward to receiving your details and joining the gathering in Florida. I will confirm my plans as soon as they are firm.

Aobrien · « **Reply #6 on:** 05/12/2009 08:35 pm »

Tickets go on sale tomorrow!!!

Does anyone have like a list of everything that is needed for the tickets? This would help to make sure I have all the info for the LTT tickets ready to go. I want to try as I have before and was unsuccessful. Any tips would be much appreciated!

jacqmans · « **Reply #7 on:** 05/13/2009 02:54 am »

Taken today from the beach...

jacqmans · « **Reply #8 on:** 05/13/2009 02:55 am »

jacqmans · « **Reply #9 on:** 05/13/2009 02:57 am »

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #10 on:** 05/13/2009 03:07 am »

Ok... I've had a few members ask about a NSF dinner for STS-127. My answer to that is course I'll plan a dinner. Just give me until Atlantis/125 is safely back on the ground and I'll get all the information out.

rllacey · « **Reply #11 on:** 05/13/2009 01:10 pm »

Did anyone luck out and get LTT tickets? I had the classic tickets in cart, but didn't process until they were sold out. Even Dine/LTT tickets were gone pretty fast. I'm guessing the high profile 125 mission have people thinking that they should see a launch before the program ends.

sts126 · « **Reply #12 on:** 05/13/2009 01:44 pm »

same here, would this be quickest time between launches?

psloss · « **Reply #13 on:** 05/13/2009 02:01 pm »

Quote from: sts126 on 05/13/2009 01:44 pm

same here, would this be quickest time between launches?

No, but it's around the minimum at this time.

Captain Kirk · « **Reply #14 on:** 05/13/2009 02:36 pm »

Quote from: rllacey on 05/13/2009 01:10 pm

Did anyone luck out and get LTT tickets? I had the classic tickets in cart, but didn't process until they were sold out. Even Dine/LTT tickets were gone pretty fast. I'm guessing the high profile 125 mission have people thinking that they should see a launch before the program ends.

Couldn't get LTT tickets, but did get KSC Visitor Center tickets. [I know, won't see Endeavor until it clears the tree line, but, oh well]. I'll be at the second closest place to the pad and my zoom lens should take care of the rest. Also looking forward to meeting some of you from NSF!

Jeff Lerner · « **Reply #15 on:** 05/13/2009 11:36 pm »

Thought I'd share this with my fellow NSF Canadian members. I've never had a chance to attend a Shuttle launch. It's been on my "bucket list" but for numerous reasons, I've hadn't been able to make a launch.

With STS-127 having CSA astronaut Julie Payette on board for what will probably be the last Shuttle flight for a Canadian astronaut, I thought this flight would be the perfect opportunity to check this item off my list.

Over the years as an NSF member, I've read with envy how our U.S. members have leveraged their politicians to get invitations to Shuttle launches. I thought, why can't Canadians do the same ?

In April 2008, I sent an email to Jim Prentice who, at the time, was our Canadian Minister of Industry. The Industry department is responsible for the Canadian Space Agency. I wrote to Minister Prentice and told him that I support the CSA and appreciated the government's funding for the Agency. I explained my desire to attend the STS-127 launch to cheer on our Canadian astronaut and asked for VIP access, travel costs would be at my own expense, of course.

About six weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from the CSA. It was signed by then CSA President Guy Bujold and he was writing to invite me to attend the STS-127 launch. The letter said that I should contact the agency at the phone number provided once the launch date was firmed up.

Needless to say I was thrilled but there was over a year to go until the targeted launch so I wasn't counting it a done deal yet.

Fast forward to April 2009 and with STS-127 now scheduled for a June 13, 2009 launch date, I phoned the CSA number in the letter and spoke to someone who confirmed I was on the invitation list. Two days later, I was sent an email explaining the next steps and I also received a package in the mail with the actual launch invitation, a couple of documents on the STS-127 mission and a profile on Julie Payette. The email provided me with a link to a CSA website where I was able to register my launch attendance for myself and one guest (my wife) and also indicate whether I was interested in going on a KSC tour and attending a CSA reception the night before the scheduled launch, both of which I said yes.

Early in May, I received another mail package. This envelope contained itinerary details such as where I was supposed to meet the bus for the KSC tour, the hotel, room and dress code for the CSA reception, and where and what time we're supposed to meet (3:00am...sheesh !!) to get aboard the buses that will take us to the launch viewing. Also included was a suggested list of hotels in Cocoa Beach, a colourful two sided tourist map of the Cocoa Beach area and two 8 x 11 colour pictures of Julie Payette with her bio on back.

My air and hotel bookings are completed and I will be heading to Florida on June 10. I'm really looking forward to this. I'm hoping there will be some CSA officials at the reception. I have some flexibility with regard to launch delays although any changes to air travel and hotel stays will add to my expenses.

I guess the final point is that, fellow Canadian NSF'er's, it doesn't hurt to ask our politicians for help and things have worked out so far...wish me luck...

robertross · « **Reply #16 on:** 05/13/2009 11:50 pm »

Quote from: Wildthing on 05/13/2009 11:36 pm

Thought I'd share this with my fellow NSF Canadian members. I've never had a chance to attend a Shuttle launch. It's been on my "bucket list" but for numerous reasons, I've hadn't been able to make a launch.

I guess the final point is that, fellow Canadian NSF'er's, it doesn't hurt to ask our politicians for help and things have worked out so far...wish me luck...

OMG

Well, Wildthing...I'm putting THAT, on MY bucket list.

(clears throat...umm, Mr. Prentice...sir...please...)

Thanks for the heads-up! Great story too! (envy)

Captain Kirk · « **Reply #17 on:** 05/15/2009 06:13 am »

Quote from: Wildthing on 05/13/2009 11:36 pm

With STS-127 having CSA astronaut Julie Payette on board for what will probably be the last Shuttle flight for a Canadian astronaut, I thought this flight would be the perfect opportunity to check this item off my list.

My air and hotel bookings are completed and I will be heading to Florida on June 10. I'm really looking forward to this. I'm hoping there will be some CSA officials at the reception. I have some flexibility with regard to launch delays although any changes to air travel and hotel stays will add to my expenses.

I guess the final point is that, fellow Canadian NSF'er's, it doesn't hurt to ask our politicians for help and things have worked out so far...wish me luck...

Glad to hear that you'll be amongst the viewers at the STS-127 launch! I can't wait to experience it!! I love Canada [beautiful country and wonderful people] so it will be really cool knowing that our very able Neighbor-to-the-North will have a role in the next mission. Hats off to our Canadian friends, forum members and launch viewers alike. Have fun!

aurora899 · « **Reply #18 on:** 05/16/2009 05:00 pm »

What would be the best hotel to stay at?
It's been a long time since I last went to Florida and I wouldn't mind going again before the shuttle program ends (although, to be fair, probably not this summer). On previous holidays I've stayed at the Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach but that was a compromise because I had other family members with me who wanted to sit on the beach and sunbathe! Is there anything a bit closer to KSC?

comethunter · « **Reply #19 on:** 05/19/2009 01:54 pm »

I don't mean to send out any negative waves, but there is one thing to keep in mind if you plan to view this launch from Titusville. With an on schedule launch at 7:19 am, you will be battling the rising sun out of the east. Something to consider.