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#20
by
nathan.moeller
on 30 Mar, 2010 16:13
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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?
Depends on how much you're wanting to pay. As mentioned, there is a Clarion Hotel just across the waterway from KSC. The VAB and launch pads are visible and is a good spot to watch the launch. However, count on spending at least $250 per night there. I'm PM'ing you with some other information that you might find useful as far as lodging.
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#21
by
wjbarnett
on 30 Mar, 2010 22:06
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Depends on how much you're wanting to pay. As mentioned, there is a Clarion Hotel just across the waterway from KSC. The VAB and launch pads are visible and is a good spot to watch the launch. However, count on spending at least $250 per night there. I'm PM'ing you with some other information that you might find useful as far as lodging.
I agree, but watch this forum closely. If there's a shift in launch date, then you'll likely learn about here >24 hours before it's public and 36 or more hours before Clarion changes their prices. I've gotten Clarion reservations for <$80/night three times now as a result.
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#22
by
yorky10
on 03 Apr, 2010 06:42
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In addition to the last question I asked does anyone know if the pad lights will be on the night before launch? I wouldn't mind heading out there to take a look.
Dave.
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#23
by
Col
on 03 Apr, 2010 12:15
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I Hope that the launch remains on target,coming from Melbourne Australia to view the launch,last one viewed was sts91.
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#24
by
TheFallen
on 03 Apr, 2010 20:34
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In addition to the last question I asked does anyone know if the pad lights will be on the night before launch? I wouldn't mind heading out there to take a look.
Dave.
The Rotating Service Structure is retracted the night before launch...and the flood lights usually come on as last-minute work is done on the shuttle.
So yes, you'll be able to take a look at the shuttle the night before it takes off. Just not from KSC property, obviously.
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#25
by
psloss
on 04 Apr, 2010 11:08
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In addition to the last question I asked does anyone know if the pad lights will be on the night before launch? I wouldn't mind heading out there to take a look.
The Rotating Service Structure is retracted the night before launch...and the flood lights usually come on as last-minute work is done on the shuttle.
RSS retract to the park position is more based on the countdown clock, so it sometimes occurs during daylight -- such as today for the STS-131 launch attempt overnight. For the flood lights, it's probably a combination of time-of-launch and checking them out during the last night before the pad is cleared for launch.
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#26
by
yorky10
on 04 Apr, 2010 12:47
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In addition to the last question I asked does anyone know if the pad lights will be on the night before launch? I wouldn't mind heading out there to take a look.
The Rotating Service Structure is retracted the night before launch...and the flood lights usually come on as last-minute work is done on the shuttle.
RSS retract to the park position is more based on the countdown clock, so it sometimes occurs during daylight -- such as today for the STS-131 launch attempt overnight. For the flood lights, it's probably a combination of time-of-launch and checking them out during the last night before the pad is cleared for launch.
I will probably go and check it out then. Anyone got any suggestions as where to go? I thought the 401 but not sure if it will be too far away for a decent view even with binoculars. I know Titusville is a bit closer (a mile or so) but from what Ive already seen I am thinking I will only see the FSS and the RSS lit. Anyone got any better alternatives?
Thanks, Dave.
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#27
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 05 Apr, 2010 01:40
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In addition to the last question I asked does anyone know if the pad lights will be on the night before launch? I wouldn't mind heading out there to take a look.
The Rotating Service Structure is retracted the night before launch...and the flood lights usually come on as last-minute work is done on the shuttle.
RSS retract to the park position is more based on the countdown clock, so it sometimes occurs during daylight -- such as today for the STS-131 launch attempt overnight. For the flood lights, it's probably a combination of time-of-launch and checking them out during the last night before the pad is cleared for launch.
I will probably go and check it out then. Anyone got any suggestions as where to go? I thought the 401 but not sure if it will be too far away for a decent view even with binoculars. I know Titusville is a bit closer (a mile or so) but from what Ive already seen I am thinking I will only see the FSS and the RSS lit. Anyone got any better alternatives?
Thanks, Dave.
RSS Retract for STS-132 will be at ~5p.m. on May 13
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#28
by
ashleyd
on 05 Apr, 2010 02:05
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I just heard a rumor that the launch for STS-132 will already be delayed. Has anyone else heard this rumor, or know if it is true or not?
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#29
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 05 Apr, 2010 02:10
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I just heard a rumor that the launch for STS-132 will already be delayed. Has anyone else heard this rumor, or know if it is true or not?
Nothing is definite. But it has been known for several weeks now that STS-132 could be delayed until early-June because of potential delays her Rescue Mission -- the STS-134 flight by Endeavour currently targeted for July 2010.
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#30
by
Frostywinter
on 08 Apr, 2010 08:03
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Hi guys
I am coming over from Melbourne Australia for my first launch - sts132 works well for my timing, plan to arrive on the Tues evening and leave 1 week latter on following Tues.
Looks like u have to be pretty lucky to get causeway tickets online ( they sell out pretty quick by the looks of it!) so thinking of doing one of the local tours that offer causeway location, like Gator Tours. Has anyone any experience with them or other tour companies that u care to share?
Looking forward to my first launch...
Frosty - Australia
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#31
by
TISM
on 08 Apr, 2010 12:27
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Hi guys
I am coming over from Melbourne Australia for my first launch - sts132...
I think we need to start an "I'm coming from Melbourne, Australia to see STS-132" thread. Including Frosty and Col, that makes 5 people I know about from the most liveable city in the world!
Peter
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#32
by
yorky10
on 08 Apr, 2010 12:44
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I would love to hear an estimate as to what the shuttle program offers to the U.S. Economy in terms of foreign visitors bringing business to local hotels, people who tie in a visit to the Orlando area etc. Not sure if such a figure exists but I would be interested in any estimates anyone might have.
Dave.
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#33
by
TISM
on 08 Apr, 2010 12:51
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The bar tabs alone would be significant! ;-)
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#34
by
yorky10
on 08 Apr, 2010 14:11
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The bar tabs alone would be significant! ;-)
I can certainly put my name to that if it needs certification
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#35
by
uko
on 08 Apr, 2010 14:16
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Is it true that shuttle launch tickets usually go to sale on Mondays.. so there is a good chance that this coming Monday is the day?
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#36
by
yorky10
on 08 Apr, 2010 14:39
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Last ones I bought were midweek. STS-129.
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#37
by
craigcocca
on 08 Apr, 2010 14:46
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Don't worry if you don't get causeway tickets. Just watched STS-131 from Titusville this past Monday, and I saw 10,000 very happy faces
Of course, the SpaceX employee I bumped into at the airport who got to watch from the VIP stands at the Saturn V exhibit did look even happier, but pigs will fly before you get those tickets!
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#38
by
ashleyd
on 08 Apr, 2010 14:50
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Don't worry if you don't get causeway tickets. Just watched STS-131 from Titusville this past Monday, and I saw 10,000 very happy faces
Of course, the SpaceX employee I bumped into at the airport who got to watch from the VIP stands at the Saturn V exhibit did look even happier, but pigs will fly before you get those tickets!
Where exactly did you go in Titusville to see the launch? I have a campground booked at Manattee Hammock for STS-132 and was wondering if you knew exactly how good the view of a launch is from the dock there
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#39
by
Walter S
on 08 Apr, 2010 16:29
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Don't worry if you don't get causeway tickets. Just watched STS-131 from Titusville this past Monday, and I saw 10,000 very happy faces
Of course, the SpaceX employee I bumped into at the airport who got to watch from the VIP stands at the Saturn V exhibit did look even happier, but pigs will fly before you get those tickets!
I was fortunate shot view STS-130 from the Sat V center and pigs and several other animals flew. I could not believe it.
I have found many great places to view from over the years in Titusville. You really cant go wrong with most of the places.
When they used to launch off of Pad B, the view from the Max Brewer Parkway bridge was quite good. This bridge is currently being replaced.
Here is a shot os sts-130 from Banana Creek.
