Author Topic: SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon COTS Demo (C2+) VIEWING THREAD (Read 50573 times)

Orbiter · « **on:** 03/20/2012 07:09 pm »

Decided to kick a thread off for viewing SpaceX's launch as we stand 'hopefully' a little over a month from launch.

If I had to wager though when it comes to viewing, from personal experience with the Atlas V MSL launch, I found the causeway heading into Jetty Park to be a good place to watch.

Orbiter

manboy · « **Reply #1 on:** 03/20/2012 11:36 pm »

For the lazy

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=28.505505,-80.624542&spn=0.345147,0.676346&sll=28.478952,-80.532532&sspn=0.345234,0.676346&t=h&z=11

manboy · « **Reply #2 on:** 03/21/2012 12:20 am »

I noticed the google car managed to get within about four miles of SLC-40 which got me wondering where are the gates and restricted areas of Cape Canaveral/Merritt Island?

robertross · « **Reply #3 on:** 03/21/2012 12:34 am »

Quote from: manboy on 03/21/2012 12:20 am

I noticed the google car managed to get within about four miles of SLC-40 which got me wondering where are the gates and restricted areas of Cape Canaveral/Merritt Island?

Just past the Visitor's Center is a BIG gate with nice looking gentlemen with guns. Badged persons & Tour Buses are basically the only ones allowed past.

CCAFS is limited at the Port Canaveral end (with similar nice gentlemen), or above said VC gate

edit: and the gate near the entrance to Playlinda beach (with similar nice gentlemen)

DDG40 · « **Reply #4 on:** 03/21/2012 12:46 am »

One of the KSC nice guys. If you were going to the VAB on day shift you would meet him.

Jim · « **Reply #5 on:** 03/21/2012 12:51 am »

Security checkpoints

Rocket Science · « **Reply #6 on:** 03/21/2012 12:57 am »

Quote from: robertross on 03/21/2012 12:34 am

Quote from: manboy on 03/21/2012 12:20 am
I noticed the google car managed to get within about four miles of SLC-40 which got me wondering where are the gates and restricted areas of Cape Canaveral/Merritt Island?

Just past the Visitor's Center is a BIG gate with nice looking gentlemen with guns. Badged persons & Tour Buses are basically the only ones allowed past.

CCAFS is limited at the Port Canaveral end (with similar nice gentlemen), or above said VC gate

edit: and the gate near the entrance to Playlinda beach (with similar nice gentlemen)

Way back in 1977 I drove up to that BIG gate in my rental Chevette and was waved past with the other cars coming in. There I was driving around the VAB and parked there to check out the Saturn V they had laying there outside. After a while I drove back up to the gate and asked for directions to the Visitor Center. The guard there asked me how I got in the secure area and I told him “you waved me by”… He then sheepishly told my make a right and the Center will be on the left side.

My first visit to KSC… True story!

Airlock · « **Reply #7 on:** 03/21/2012 08:28 am »

Quote from: manboy on 03/21/2012 12:20 am

I noticed the google car managed to get within about four miles of SLC-40 which got me wondering where are the gates and restricted areas of Cape Canaveral/Merritt Island?

I personally saw the google maps car driving down SR-3 within the KSC perimeter toward the VAB, so they must have gotten permission to do some google street view pics behind the gate. As far as where the restricted areas start, the south gate is just north of where space commerce road starts to the left of SR-3, the west gate is just east of the visitor center.

MP99 · « **Reply #8 on:** 03/21/2012 09:05 am »

Quote from: DDG40 on 03/21/2012 12:46 am

One of the KSC nice guys. If you were going to the VAB on day shift you would meet him.

If you're going on the night shift, do you meet Jim (the "Night Gator")?

(Only joshing, Jim.)

cheers, Martin

Orbiter · « **Reply #9 on:** 04/01/2012 07:07 pm »

We're now L-29 days!

Orbiter

manboy · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/02/2012 04:54 am »

Thanks for the info Jim and robertross.

Are you planning going to the launch Orbiter?

manboy · « **Reply #11 on:** 04/02/2012 04:58 am »

Tips for viewing the upcoming launch

http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/04/spacex-launch-travel-advice/

beancounter · « **Reply #12 on:** 04/02/2012 06:42 am »

Green with envy re: anyone who can view any launch. I'm just a tad too far away worst luck.

oiorionsbelt · « **Reply #13 on:** 04/02/2012 11:46 pm »

Quote from: beancounter on 04/02/2012 06:42 am

Green with envy re: anyone who can view any launch. I'm just a tad too far away worst luck.

For $3000 and in 24 hours you can be pretty much anywhere on Earth

Orbiter · « **Reply #14 on:** 04/02/2012 11:50 pm »

Quote from: manboy on 04/02/2012 04:54 am

Thanks for the info Jim and robertross.

Are you planning going to the launch Orbiter?

I wish.. it's a Monday noon launch so the prospects are naturally unfavorable, which in my own way I'm rooting for a delay to May 6th.

Orbiter

robertross · « **Reply #15 on:** 04/03/2012 12:25 am »

Quote from: manboy on 04/02/2012 04:54 am

Thanks for the info Jim and robertross.

Are you planning going to the launch Orbiter?

A little too far for me to travel unfortunately (for what could be a launch scrub on a maiden flight)

If they plan one near an EELV or SLS launch, yes I'll be there

ELinder · « **Reply #16 on:** 04/03/2012 12:43 am »

For the first SpaceX launch I took the regular tour bus to the Saturn V building and watched from the bleachers behind the building. Great view.

beancounter · « **Reply #17 on:** 04/03/2012 02:18 am »

Quote from: oiorionsbelt on 04/02/2012 11:46 pm

Quote from: beancounter on 04/02/2012 06:42 am
Green with envy re: anyone who can view any launch. I'm just a tad too far away worst luck.
For $3000 and in 24 hours you can be pretty much anywhere on Earth

Yes that's reasonably accurate however other committments and some health issues prevent that being the case for me.

RDoc · « **Reply #18 on:** 04/03/2012 04:35 am »

I'd love to be there but have to be in New Orleans to stay up far too late, drink too much and listen to jazz till my ears ring.

ELinder · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/05/2012 09:47 pm »

Just got an email from KSC that viewing opportunities for Dragon C2 are the KSC Visitor Center and Saturn V Building, (included in admission). I'm assuming they mean no extra charges just to see the launch.