STS-135 Atlantis: Viewing (Going to launch, tickets, events, landing, etc.)

• #640 by cycleroadie on 17 Jun, 2011 16:59
• Quote from: beef5stew on 17 Jun, 2011 16:57

  OMG!!!!!!
  
  So, I applied for Congressional tickets as soon as I knew the funding for 135 was approved…but heard nothing.
  
  I applied to KSCVC lottery for causeway tickets…didn’t get picked.
  
  I tried for the tweetup…still nothing.
  
  KSVC did pick me for the secondary lottery, but no causeway tickets available.
  
  I have resigned myself to watching this launch on TV.  Big disappointment, but what could I expect?  It’s the last one and everyone wants to go.  Nasa Legislative affairs sent me an email today asking if I want in with the congressional tickets…can you say YES!!!!!!
  
  So it looks like I’m going to the launch afterall.  Need to set up hotels and planes now.  The one question I have is:  Is there a launch window on Friday Saturday and Sunday?  I’m thinking of flying down Thurdsday night and staying til Sunday.
  
  

  
  Congrats !!! Here's the launch windows for the first few days of the window. the center time being the preferred time (In plane)
  
  07/08/11...11:21:46 AM...11:26:46 AM...11:31:46 AM...Flight Day 3
  .......................................11:35:03 AM...FD 4
  
  07/09/11...10:59:15 AM...11:04:15 AM...11:09:15 AM...FD 3
  
  07/10/11...10:33:30 AM...10:38:30 AM...10:43:30 AM...FD 3
  .......................................10:46:44 AM...FD 4
  
  07/11/11...10:10:57 AM...10:15:57 AM...10:20:57 AM...FD 3
  .......................................10:24:16 AM...FD 4
  
  07/12/11...09:50:26 AM...09:50:16 AM...09:55:16 AM...FD 3 *
  .......................................09:58:26 AM...FD 4
  
  07/13/11...09:22:42 AM...09:27:42 AM...09:32:42 AM...FD 3
  .......................................09:35:56 AM...FD 4
  
  07/14/11...09:00:09 AM...09:05:09 AM...09:10:09 AM...FD 3
  .......................................09:13:28 AM...FD 4
  
  
• #641 by LoveMrEd on 17 Jun, 2011 17:02
• Quote from: beef5stew on 17 Jun, 2011 16:57

  
  So it looks like I’m going to the launch afterall.  Need to set up hotels and planes now.  The one question I have is:  Is there a launch window on Friday Saturday and Sunday?  I’m thinking of flying down Thurdsday night and staying til Sunday.
  
  

  Congrats--maybe we'll see you at Merritt Island bus?
  
  Yes---the launch window has been posted--maybe in the processing thread?
• #642 by Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 17:04
• Keep in mind if there's a scrub on any launch days there may be a minimum 48 hour turnaround because of traffic.
• #643 by IL2windhawk on 17 Jun, 2011 17:17
• In case anyone is still looking for a hotel room on Cocoa Beach (most eveything was completely sold out a month ago).... I just called and cancelled my reservations at the Fawlty Towers motel (http://www.fawltytowersresort.com/).  I had two rooms reserved for July 7 - 9.  Looked pretty nice online.  $127/night each.  Not bad for a beach-front location.  10 minutes to the Merritt Island pickup for GrayLine.
  
  Wish I could go to 135, but it's a long haul after all the time off work i took to see 134. 
• #644 by VicenteFox on 17 Jun, 2011 17:34
• Quote from: Furner on 17 Jun, 2011 12:10

  Quote from: VicenteFox on 17 Jun, 2011 04:42

  Trade Child<->Adult?
  
  

  
  You can use Adult ticket for child.
  

  
  You missed my point.  My child can use an ADULT ticket.
  
  But somewhere out there, might be someone who has an extra CHILD ticket that due to change in circumstances, they would like to convert to ADULT.  I wouldn't gain anything but that person would, I was offering to do a favor for another fan.
  
  
  
  
• #645 by racshot65 on 17 Jun, 2011 17:46
• Quote from: Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 17:04

  Keep in mind if there's a scrub on any launch days there may be a minimum 48 hour turnaround because of traffic.
  

  
  I don't think thats set in stone, its a decision they'll make on the day I believe.
• #646 by K8B on 17 Jun, 2011 17:49
• Just want to offer this up as info- many hotels (anywhere these days) have bed bug reports, & I've seen the Orlando reports - Please search online for bed bug reports & also how to check ur hotel room before checking in - the signs, where to check, how to take care of you luggage etc.
  Bed bugs Are NOT something you want to bring home with you. Hotels near airports tend to have higher instances of them & even the most luxurious hotels are not immune.
  Many of us west coasters don't know it's such an epidemic even though I know everywhere is at risk.
  Happy travels!!
  
• #647 by cycleroadie on 17 Jun, 2011 17:49
• Quote from: racshot65 on 17 Jun, 2011 17:46

  Quote from: Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 17:04

  Keep in mind if there's a scrub on any launch days there may be a minimum 48 hour turnaround because of traffic.
  

  
  I don't think thats set in stone, its a decision they'll make on the day I believe.
  

  
  For 134, it was a decision made well before the initial launch day if I recall correctly, that it would be a 48 hour scrub regardless. Have not heard anything on 135, but I would imagine it will be the same.
• #648 by Endeavour Forever on 17 Jun, 2011 17:51
• Posted by FDT via Twitter/FB:
  
  "CLARIFICATION: NO tickets will be mailed. They will be available for collection from our office any time after July 1st up until 5pm on July 7th. If you cannot collect them from the office, they will be available for collection at Festival Bay on the day of excursion, but obviously this will require you getting to the pickup location even earlier."
• #649 by Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 18:02
• Quote from: K8B on 17 Jun, 2011 17:49

  Just want to offer this up as info- many hotels (anywhere these days) have bed bug reports, & I've seen the Orlando reports - Please search online for bed bug reports & also how to check ur hotel room before checking in - the signs, where to check, how to take care of you luggage etc.
  Bed bugs Are NOT something you want to bring home with you. Hotels near airports tend to have higher instances of them & even the most luxurious hotels are not immune.
  Many of us west coasters don't know it's such an epidemic even though I know everywhere is at risk.
  Happy travels!!
  
  

  
  My hotel room for the 134 launch had them. It was a long process but I was moved to a different floor. I was very careful and did not bring any home.
• #650 by Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 18:05
• Quote from: racshot65 on 17 Jun, 2011 17:46

  Quote from: Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 17:04

  Keep in mind if there's a scrub on any launch days there may be a minimum 48 hour turnaround because of traffic.
  

  
  I don't think thats set in stone, its a decision they'll make on the day I believe.
  

  
  It's not which is why I said "may"   
• #651 by Keyman on 17 Jun, 2011 18:18
• Quote from: IL2windhawk on 17 Jun, 2011 17:17

  In case anyone is still looking for a hotel room on Cocoa Beach (most eveything was completely sold out a month ago).... I just called and cancelled my reservations at the Fawlty Towers motel (http://www.fawltytowersresort.com/).  I had two rooms reserved for July 7 - 9.  Looked pretty nice online.  $127/night each.  Not bad for a beach-front location.  10 minutes to the Merritt Island pickup for GrayLine.
  
  Wish I could go to 135, but it's a long haul after all the time off work i took to see 134. 
  

  Fawlty Towers???  Seriously?  Almost OT, but probably *THE* funniest TV show ever!!! 
  
  Here's an alternative to motels...
  http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-east
  From there you can narrow it to Titusvuille, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, etc.   
  
  "Vacation Rental By Owner" - condos, etc. rented out - most by the week, and for most the price goes up "launch week".  This is where I found my place.  The owners have been quite accomodating, even allowing me to move the dates.  For those of you with a group, the price can be very, very reasonable vs. hotels. 
• #652 by Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 19:37
• Does anyone know when the KSCVC typically gets their current mission gear in? They are still on 134 and I'm suffering from SSS (Shuttle Shopping Syndrome). I need my 135 gear!   
• #653 by Elmosaurus on 17 Jun, 2011 20:01
• Quote from: Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 19:37

  Does anyone know when the KSCVC typically gets their current mission gear in? They are still on 134 and I'm suffering from SSS (Shuttle Shopping Syndrome). I need my 135 gear!   
  

  
  It looks like the category is set up now on the SpaceShop website...
  
  It's not very populated though; only the patch, pin, and bronze coin are available as of right now.
  
  I imagine that's plenty fine for most people though.   
  
  <edit - Derp.  Forgot to put the link in.  The Space Shop - STS135 >
  
  E.
• #654 by Endeavour Forever on 17 Jun, 2011 20:12
• Quote from: Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 19:37

  Does anyone know when the KSCVC typically gets their current mission gear in? They are still on 134 and I'm suffering from SSS (Shuttle Shopping Syndrome). I need my 135 gear!   
  

  
  Wouldn't it be great if NSF came up with a special shirt with their logo, combined with graphics to commemorate the last shuttle launch, and sold it on CafePress??  (hint, hint)
• #655 by Jim on 17 Jun, 2011 20:25
• Just aheads up.  I know it 3 weeks away, but the weather has turned very muggy and visibility is low.  Can't see any pads from SR528.  Will look from US1 and NASA Causeway next to check out the visibility
• #656 by nathan.moeller on 17 Jun, 2011 20:30
• Quote from: Endeavour Forever on 17 Jun, 2011 20:12

  Wouldn't it be great if NSF came up with a special shirt with their logo, combined with graphics to commemorate the last shuttle launch, and sold it on CafePress??  (hint, hint)
  

  
  We didn't make a shirt with it but we did make a patch for STS-135

  ---

  
• #657 by astrobrian on 17 Jun, 2011 20:34
• Quote from: Endeavour Forever on 17 Jun, 2011 20:12

  Wouldn't it be great if NSF came up with a special shirt with their logo, combined with graphics to commemorate the last shuttle launch, and sold it on CafePress??  (hint, hint)
  

  In the early days of NSF there were a few shirts and such online. You aren't the first person to talk about a store though, however it won't be in time for STS-135 if one were to surface again
• #658 by Sarah on 17 Jun, 2011 20:37
• Quote from: Jim on 17 Jun, 2011 20:25

  Just aheads up.  I know it 3 weeks away, but the weather has turned very muggy and visibility is low.  Can't see any pads from SR528.  Will look from US1 and NASA Causeway next to check out the visibility
  

  
  SLF visibility is 8 miles. Causeway would be very hazy. Not worried yet. Still got a lot of time before launch day.
  
  METAR KTTS 171955Z 11009KT 080V150 8SM FEW030 32/25 A3000 RMK SLP159 1CU /0/
  
  
• #659 by psloss on 17 Jun, 2011 21:19
• Quote from: nathan.moeller on 17 Jun, 2011 20:30

  We didn't make a shirt with it but we did make a patch for STS-135
  

  What console was that at and when?
  
  Edit: nevermind on the time, got that from the EXIF info.