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STS-132 Atlantis: Viewing (Going to launch, events, landing, etc.)
by
smith5se
on 19 Mar, 2010 06:33
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So as sad as it is for me to start this thread; I noticed STS-134 already has one going so I figured I might as well...
As we all know this is the final scheduled launch for Atlantis, the first of the orbiters to retire. Launch is currently scheduled for NET May 14, 2010 at 2:28p.m. ET. She's always been a favorite of mine (and I'm sure others out there too), has served us proud ,and will continue to serve us proud throughout this mission and beyond through an extension or a nice display in a museum for all to see. She rolled out of Palmdale brand spankin' new March 6, 1985, first launched on Oct. 3rd, 1985, and it's amazing to think she is older than I and still is one of the work horses of our space program. Atlantis, now there's a name for the history books that screams awesomeness and power.
I myself am hoping to get down there for this launch. Started saving immediately after STS 130 and contacted my congressmen back in Jan. So whether I am sitting on the causeway or across the river on US 1 and camping somewhere, I'm planning on not missing this launch.
Besides the launch there's going to be places to go, people to visit, fun things to do, and shenanigans to be had! (And probably the usual dinner as well LOL)
Hope to see some of you NSFers there.
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#1
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 19 Mar, 2010 06:39
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Hard to believe that we under two months away from her final scheduled launch date.
It'll be one for the history books!
See you in May!
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#2
by
robertross
on 19 Mar, 2010 12:12
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Yeah, this will hopefully be my first (and maybe not last) shuttle launch.
Still holding off on booking anything. Hope that doesn't bite me in the end, but waiting on the Mid April call as some have suggested, and after STS-131 launch.
I'm looking at making this a 10 day trip, with 3-4 days prior to get sorted & calmed down a bit, and then 'hopefully' enough scrub time afterwards.
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#3
by
Andrewwski
on 21 Mar, 2010 05:16
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I'm hoping to be there. Haven't booked flights yet, I'll wait until after 131 launches. Figure I'll fly down a few days in advance so flights won't be that hard to get.
I'll probably stay down there awhile in case of scrubs. Hoping it doesn't end up during ISDC.
Hoping to get on the causeway as well.
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#4
by
asimperson
on 21 Mar, 2010 09:42
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There were just some great deals on flights and hotels I had to take advantage of a few weeks ago. I'm sweating it out right now. I will go to this thing hell or high water, though.
Also, Atlantis rolled out March 6, 1985? Guess we both recently celebrated our 25th birthdays then.
Also, when should I really start looking for launch tickets to go on sale?
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#5
by
lsullivan411
on 21 Mar, 2010 10:49
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Also, when should I really start looking for launch tickets to go on sale?
The launch tickets go on sale about one month prior to launch. If STS-131 goes on schedule on the 5th of April, start keeping your eyes open - they could go on sale for STS-132 anytime from that point on.
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#6
by
psloss
on 21 Mar, 2010 14:07
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Also, Atlantis rolled out March 6, 1985? Guess we both recently celebrated our 25th birthdays then.
April 6, 1985, was the date of Atlantis's rollout ceremony in Palmdale.
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#7
by
yorky10
on 21 Mar, 2010 17:47
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Got a 14 day trip booked from the UK on 13th May. If the launch changes I will just have to change it. Probably the only thing that will keep me from this launch will be something silly like a baggage handlers strike. Im not missing this for the world. I havent had any experience with the new ticket procedure. Is it worth teaming up with a couple of people to try and get tickets or does it not work that way?
Dave. (STS-115, STS-117, STS-123, STS-125)
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#8
by
nono_in_space
on 22 Mar, 2010 19:27
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Hi from Germany,
watching a Shuttle launch is a dream of my childhood comming true.
I've been at KSC for 4 times - but never with a active mission
on the pad.
I'll try to be on the causeway on May 14th - but only two days
for scrubbs left (unfortunately I have to leave Florida Sunday evening for business purposes in Germany).
So all of you please keep your fingers crossed for me for an in time launch.
I'll arrive in Fort Meyers Thursday about 6.00 pm and try to get
a hotel around midnight in Orlando or near the Beeline Expressway.
Is it realistic to get one on this day without a reservation?
See you in May.
M.W.
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#9
by
durham70
on 23 Mar, 2010 17:23
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Hi
Fingers crossed for 132.
I'm travelling from Australia and hoping to catch the launch as part of my holiday. Five days in Florida to try to account for bad weather (travelled to see STS 127 and missed it as i ran out of days...)
Cheers
David
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#10
by
nono_in_space
on 23 Mar, 2010 18:11
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a bit off topic.
I'm in LA for 10 days a few days after the sheduled landing of STS-134
in August. In the case of a landing in Edwards does anyone knows
how long it takes until the shuttle usually is brought back to KSC
and does anyone knows if it's possible to watch the start of the SCA with
the piggybacked shuttle? If there is a delay of STS-134 mission
and the landing is at Edwards is there a chance of getting close
enough to see the shuttle landing near Edwards?
(I know that the decission for the landing site is made close to
the landing - but I would try, if there is a chance of watching it)
Thanks
M.W.
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#11
by
astrobrian
on 23 Mar, 2010 22:10
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Roughly a week to prep from ferry flight if memory serves.
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#12
by
psloss
on 23 Mar, 2010 22:20
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It's definitely possible to watch a Shuttle approach and landing to Edwards from outside the base -- the issue is which end of the concrete runway the orbiter approaches. I haven't viewed a ferry takeoff, but would assume it's possible and would have the same "challenge," except in that case it would be takeoff direction instead of final approach.
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#13
by
TISM
on 24 Mar, 2010 00:04
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Hi
Fingers crossed for 132.
I'm travelling from Australia and hoping to catch the launch as part of my holiday. Five days in Florida to try to account for bad weather (travelled to see STS 127 and missed it as i ran out of days...)
Cheers
David
Two of my mates and I are also planning to come from Australia for 132! Cocoa Beach = the new Earls Court!
Must have a beer or three!
Peter
Melbourne, Australia
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#14
by
durham70
on 24 Mar, 2010 09:00
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Just hoping the launch doesn't get moved too much...........
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#15
by
bkellysky
on 26 Mar, 2010 10:41
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Is there a cheerleading topic to support people going to see the launch in person?
I hope the weather is good for all of you who want to see Atlantis launch live!
I was at STS-125 on the causeway, the only launch I've seen in person and it seemed so far away. Then the SRBs lit and I wanted to jump up and down and get down on my knees and pray - all at the same time! That there were really people atop that barely controlled explosion suddenly seemed like a crazy idea.
My photos are in the STS-125 launch thread.
Don't use the camera unless you can just push one button and let it go. A tripod helps. Binoculars improve the view. However, the excitement makes it hard to hold anything still. Bring something to cover yourself from the sun, but that won't block other people's view. Check the lagoon to see the fish jump at launch.
But focus on the launch, don't let anything distract you! It's over all too soon.
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#16
by
smith5se
on 26 Mar, 2010 17:07
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Is there a cheerleading topic to support people going to see the launch in person?
I hope the weather is good for all of you who want to see Atlantis launch live!
I was at STS-125 on the causeway, the only launch I've seen in person and it seemed so far away. Then the SRBs lit and I wanted to jump up and down and get down on my knees and pray - all at the same time! That there were really people atop that barely controlled explosion suddenly seemed like a crazy idea.
My photos are in the STS-125 launch thread.
Don't use the camera unless you can just push one button and let it go. A tripod helps. Binoculars improve the view. However, the excitement makes it hard to hold anything still. Bring something to cover yourself from the sun, but that won't block other people's view. Check the lagoon to see the fish jump at launch.
But focus on the launch, don't let anything distract you! It's over all too soon.
Bkellysky, I too was at 125 for my first launch, and totally understand what you are saying.
As for the cheer leading thread, one is usually created, not sure if there is a rule of "oh this thread needs to be created x amount of days before launch" but it usually pops up closer to the launch date.
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#17
by
Naito
on 28 Mar, 2010 14:51
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I'm in Canada and planning to try make ONE of these last shuttle launches. Anyone have any tips? Recommended car rental places, hotels, etc?
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#18
by
Furner
on 28 Mar, 2010 16:11
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I'm in Canada and planning to try make ONE of these last shuttle launches. Anyone have any tips? Recommended car rental places, hotels, etc?
The Clarion will let you make reservations that you can cancel without penalty.
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#19
by
yorky10
on 30 Mar, 2010 16:06
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Got a 14 day trip booked from the UK on 13th May. If the launch changes I will just have to change it. Probably the only thing that will keep me from this launch will be something silly like a baggage handlers strike. Im not missing this for the world. I havent had any experience with the new ticket procedure. Is it worth teaming up with a couple of people to try and get tickets or does it not work that way?
Dave. (STS-115, STS-117, STS-123, STS-125)
Has anyone got a reply from my previous post ??
