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SpX/CRS-10 launch and landing viewing
by
Comga
on 03 Feb, 2017 04:31
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The launch of the ISS resupply mission SpX-10 / CRS-10 from LC-39A and the potential landing of the first stage at LZ-1 are being viewed from several places.
The NASA Langley team with SAGE-III and others are watching from the
Turning Basin near the VAB
This is 5.0 km from LC-39A and 14.7 km from LZ-1
The NASA Goddard team with STP-H5 is watching from the
Banana River CampgroundThis is 19.9 km from LC-39A and 12.4 km from LZ-1
The public can vew from many places including the side of
Rt-401 in Port Canaveral
This is 21.1 km from LC-39A and 10.0 km from LZ-1
Then there is
Jetty Park in Cocao Beach.
This is 22.3 km from LC-39A and 9.8 km from LZ-1
What are the relative merits of each of these observation points?
Will the distance make a difference in the perceived sonic boom?
If you had the option, which would you choose? (Some people actually have that choice!)
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#1
by
Flying Beaver
on 03 Feb, 2017 05:03
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Should KSC Saturn/Apollo center viewing be open? ( Pre-purchased tickets). Nothing on KSC website yet. Still February TBD.
It's only 6.5km from 39A. But the VAB blocks a direct view to LZ-1.
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#2
by
Comga
on 03 Feb, 2017 06:10
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Should KSC Saturn/Apollo center viewing be open? ( Pre-purchased tickets). Nothing on KSC website yet. Still February TBD.
It's only 6.5km from 39A. But the VAB blocks a direct view to LZ-1.
It's NET 2/14 at 11:34 AM EST
The Turning Basin is to the SE of the VAB. LC-39A is to the ENE of the Basin. LZ-1 is to the SE, across the undeveloped wetlands. The VAB should block nothing.
(Google maps identifies the wrong area as LZ-1. It's actually one to the north of where they mark it. Someday they will get a new ground image with the LZ-1 pad a big circle of concrete with the X.)
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#3
by
deruch
on 03 Feb, 2017 06:41
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What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.
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#4
by
Jim
on 03 Feb, 2017 12:08
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28.532443, -80.616868
I am going to try here. Splitting the difference and it is on berm
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#5
by
daveglo
on 03 Feb, 2017 12:27
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Must be nice to be on the Space Center, Jim!
For those of us less fortunate, what's your recommendation?
Thanks!
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#6
by
Orbiter
on 03 Feb, 2017 12:54
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What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.
They closed for Space Shuttle launches, so it's hard to imagine they'll be open for a F9 launch from LC-39A.
If this is anyone's first time viewing a F9 landing I'd recommend Port Canaveral as it is close to LC-13. Watching the CRS-9 landing from that perspective was amazing. The timing of the sonic booms almost exactly coincides with touchdown, which is a pretty dramatic effect. Obviously though seeing as LC-39A is several miles further north than SLC-40 the launch may not be as exciting.
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#7
by
leetdan
on 03 Feb, 2017 13:17
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The intersection of Courtenay Parkway (State Road 3) and Space Commerce Way is open during launches, is just as close to LZ-1 as the port, and is closer to both 39 and 40. There's no elevation unless you stand in a truck bed or something, so trees obscure the immediate ground level. It's made up for in my opinion by better acoustics, plus it's not nearly as crowded as the port area.
28.5004285, -80.6730129
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#8
by
CraigLieb
on 03 Feb, 2017 13:31
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Let's agree not to get in a boat and go into the exclusion zone...
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#9
by
ZachS09
on 03 Feb, 2017 13:50
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What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.htmlThis website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.
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#10
by
Flying Beaver
on 03 Feb, 2017 15:04
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What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
This website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.
I'm sure if the beach is open that it's considered safe
. Launch viewing is not "at you own risk".
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#11
by
Folgers25
on 03 Feb, 2017 15:15
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If you had a boat, Ski Island in the Banana River would be ideal. You could see both Pad A and the LZ with hardly any obstructions.
But if I can take that day off, I'm going to be on the long dock at KARS. Can just see Pad A , have a straight LOS to the LZ, and there is a little less traffic to deal with.
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#12
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 03 Feb, 2017 15:34
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What about Playalinda beach to the north? Will that be closed for daytime launches from LC-39A? It's only ~4 miles away.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
This website says that Playalinda Beach is available for F9 launches from Pad 39A, but I seriously do not recommend viewing the launch from that site. Not just because it's between 3.6 and 2.7 miles from the pad, but also because if there was a launch vehicle failure, you wouldn't want the debris falling on where you're standing.
I'm sure if the beach is open that it's considered safe . Launch viewing is not "at you own risk".
Agreed. If they're opening Playalinda for F9 from 39A, then it's clearly deemed safe. However, to be 100% certain, I'd call and ask if it really will be open before trying to head out there.
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#13
by
rmhe1999
on 03 Feb, 2017 16:25
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PM for one of the GSFC / STP-H5 experiments here. We're hearing rumors of a CRS-10 slip to 2/17/17 due to Pad39a preparations. Anyone else hearing this? No information online anywhere; everything still showing 2/14/17. We've got a ton of GSFC engineers & their families traveling down for launch. Everyone is booking travel and looking for the most up-to-date intel on a launch date.
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#14
by
RemoveBeforeFlight
on 03 Feb, 2017 20:25
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PM for one of the GSFC / STP-H5 experiments here. We're hearing rumors of a CRS-10 slip to 2/17/17 due to Pad39a preparations. Anyone else hearing this? No information online anywhere; everything still showing 2/14/17. We've got a ton of GSFC engineers & their families traveling down for launch. Everyone is booking travel and looking for the most up-to-date intel on a launch date.
As of right now the Launch is still occuring on 2/14/17. We have seen no evidence of a delay. Chris is always good about releasing slips to the public quickly because of people's travels plans and such. So as soon as he hears different, we will know.
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#15
by
Lars-J
on 03 Feb, 2017 20:29
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What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?
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#16
by
RemoveBeforeFlight
on 03 Feb, 2017 21:03
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What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?
1131-1136 Local
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#17
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 03 Feb, 2017 21:05
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What would the launch time be, assuming a 2/14 or 2/17 launch date?
Launch on 2/14 is 1131-1136L local. Will be refined to instantaneous as we get closer. Seeing 1134L, with the exact second still TBD.
After that, subtract 22-26mins each day to get a rough idea. So 2/17 would be ~1022L (give or take a few minutes).
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#18
by
sghill
on 03 Feb, 2017 21:22
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Agreed. If they're opening Playalinda for F9 from 39A, then it's clearly deemed safe. However, to be 100% certain, I'd call and ask if it really will be open before trying to head out there.
You wouldn't see it from the beach there until it's aloft. 39-A is hidden from view at the closest spots where the beach'd be open. But it is close!
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#19
by
Comga
on 04 Feb, 2017 00:49
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28.532443, -80.616868
I am going to try here. Splitting the difference and it is on berm
Does being on the berm make
that spot better than being closer to the landing on the causeway? (Is anyone allowed on the causeway?)
I have a friend who has base access. Should I recommend that location? (Her team's viewing location would be the Banana River Campground.)
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#20
by
wxmeddler
on 04 Feb, 2017 01:03
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28.532443, -80.616868
I am going to try here. Splitting the difference and it is on berm
That location is behind the guard gate, not likely that you will be allowed to that place if you are public w/o a press pass.
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#21
by
Jim
on 04 Feb, 2017 13:00
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That location is behind the guard gate, not likely that you will be allowed to that place if you are public w/o a press pass.
I work there, I have many badges
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#22
by
CyndyC
on 04 Feb, 2017 20:44
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It's got a bit awkward for me because Johnny Depp's mom is an extended family friend.
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#23
by
teetlebomb
on 07 Feb, 2017 18:25
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Is CRS/SpX-10 planned to head Northward or Southward?
Me and the family will be on vacation at Daytona Beach on the 17th (escaping some of the Wisconsin cold). Considering driving down to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch and landing.
Follow-up: If planning to watch from Jetty Park (good idea, bad idea?), with a roughly 10:11 launch (I think I saw that somewhere), when should I plan to arrive at Jetty Park? will there be a crowd I should be planning for?
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#24
by
sghill
on 07 Feb, 2017 18:38
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Is CRS/SpX-10 planned to head Northward or Southward?
Me and the family will be on vacation at Daytona Beach on the 17th (escaping some of the Wisconsin cold). Considering driving down to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch and landing.
Follow-up: If planning to watch from Jetty Park (good idea, bad idea?), with a roughly 10:11 launch (I think I saw that somewhere), when should I plan to arrive at Jetty Park? will there be a crowd I should be planning for?
There will be plenty of parking at the Jetty Park and nearby. You can get there whenever you want for unmanned launches.
The booster will be hidden at the jetty until its aloft, so I personally don't go there unless I have kids in tow, and I want them to play on the beach.
You can see the pad from Rt. 401 across from the cruise terminal. I get there around an hour early for unmanned launches because parking is on the shoulder only, and once it's full, it's full. The cops cruise up and down the road, but they only care about keeping you off the travel lanes.
Exploration Tower will offer the best launch view from the port area,
and the best landing view from anywhere for a LZ-1 landing. You have to pay though.
The roof deck at FishLips offers good views and great seafood if you want to hang out in case there are delays. However, a launch delay won't be an option on a CRS flight. It'll be flight or no flight that day.
You can get closer by going to the space center and buying a ticket. They are pricey for something that
likely won't may not happen.
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#25
by
teetlebomb
on 07 Feb, 2017 19:01
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Is CRS/SpX-10 planned to head Northward or Southward?
Me and the family will be on vacation at Daytona Beach on the 17th (escaping some of the Wisconsin cold). Considering driving down to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch and landing.
Follow-up: If planning to watch from Jetty Park (good idea, bad idea?), with a roughly 10:11 launch (I think I saw that somewhere), when should I plan to arrive at Jetty Park? will there be a crowd I should be planning for?
There will be plenty of parking at the Jetty Park and nearby. You can get there whenever you want for unmanned launches.
The booster will be hidden at the jetty until its aloft, so I don't go there unless I have kids in tow, and I want them to play on the beach.
You can see the pad from Rt. 401 across from the cruise terminal. I get there around an hour early for unmanned launches because parking is on the shoulder only, and once it's full, it's full. The cops cruise up and down the road, but they only care about keeping you off the travel lanes.
Exploration Tower will offer the best launch view from the port area, and the best landing view from anywhere for a LZ-1 landing. You have to pay though.
The roof deck at FishLips offers good views and great seafood if you want to hang out, but a launch delay won't be an option on a CRS flight. It's be flight or no flight that day.
You can get closer by going to the space center and buying a ticket. They are pricey for something that may not likely won't happen.
Thanx
sghill -
Awesome information!I saw STS-131 from the NASA causeway. We are considering the space center (haven't been there since Atlantis moved in). The kids are coming (13,12,8), and I thought Jetty Park might give them something to do.
I will have to look into Exploration Tower. I haven't heard of that, but the website looks promising and states they open at 10 am, so it might do the trick!
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#26
by
leetdan
on 07 Feb, 2017 19:11
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Has it been confirmed that Playalinda will be open for 39A F9 launches?
(or looking ahead, for FH?)
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#27
by
sghill
on 07 Feb, 2017 19:23
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Has it been confirmed that Playalinda will be open for 39A F9 launches?
(or looking ahead, for FH?)
That's an excellent question, and I have an answer from the park service headquarters there for you ((321) 267-1110).
The nice lady there has told me that the South District (the part closest to the pads) are open for all launches now. I reminded her that space shuttle used to close the beach, and she told me: "It had bigger boom and tighter security needs."
So there you are.
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#28
by
teetlebomb
on 07 Feb, 2017 19:31
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Sounds like we are planning a picnic for Playalinda!
ThanX for all the footwork. I have just packed my tripod and extra cameras.
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#29
by
Orbiter
on 07 Feb, 2017 20:20
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Has it been confirmed that Playalinda will be open for 39A F9 launches?
(or looking ahead, for FH?)
That's an excellent question, and I have an answer from the park service headquarters there for you ((321) 267-1110).
The nice lady there has told me that the South District (the part closest to the pads) are open for all launches now. I reminded her that space shuttle used to close the beach, and she told me: "It had bigger boom and tighter security needs."
So there you are.
Well, they'll definitely close it for an SLS launch!
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#30
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 08 Feb, 2017 15:52
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Is CRS/SpX-10 planned to head Northward or Southward?
Northeast. Nothing from Cape can go Southeast because of overflight restrictions for The Bahamas.
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#31
by
c
on 08 Feb, 2017 16:40
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RE: Playalinda Beach
Hey teetlebomb - there's a reason sghill calls Playalinda the happiest place on Earth. It's a clothing optional beach ;-) You'll be fine on the south end but walking north along the beach is always interesting.
I've heard from two separate sources that Playalinda (Cape Canaveral National Seashore) is open. I'm surprised as the southern most point of the beach (up against the fence of CCAFS) is well under 3 miles to 39A. Woopie!
RE: Launch
39A opens up a lot of low cost / free viewing options. Max Brewer bridge, Max Brewer Hway or Playlinda Beach road are all great spots. IT WILL BE CROWDED since this is the first launch from 39A in awhile. I'll give away my secret spots to anyone bringing the bloody marys.
There is NO good landing viewing from this area.
RE: Landing
Best spots were already covered above by sghill & others. Jetty Park is your best bet but it'll be packed. There are other good options in that area. Just remember, you won't be able to see the actual touchdown due to the berms.
Happy launch day,
c
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#32
by
Walter S
on 08 Feb, 2017 16:55
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Why is everyone so skeptical about Playalinda being open and refusing to believe the NPS and established sources? Playalinda is still not as close as the LC-39 tickets sold by the KSCVC for Atlas viewing.
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#33
by
ZachS09
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:05
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Why is everyone so skeptical about Playalinda being open and refusing to believe the NPS and established sources? Playalinda is still not as close as the LC-39 tickets sold by the KSCVC for Atlas viewing.
For those of you who already heard my opinion, disregard the following answer to Walter S's question.My reason is because SpX-10 is going northeast and could possibly fly over the Playalinda spectators, which is why I think any debris from a failure could impact the viewing area.
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#34
by
c
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:13
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Why is everyone so skeptical about Playalinda being open and refusing to believe the NPS and established sources? Playalinda is still not as close as the LC-39 tickets sold by the KSCVC for Atlas viewing.
No doubt. LC39 is a spectacular 2.3 miles to pad 41 (that should be a bucket list item for anyone on these boards). BUT... Playalinda if more "public" than LC39 and I doubt the same safety protocols are in place. Seems there are valid reasons to be skeptical. That's not to say I won't be first in line at the ranger station ;-)
c
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#35
by
Walter S
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:16
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Why is everyone so skeptical about Playalinda being open and refusing to believe the NPS and established sources? Playalinda is still not as close as the LC-39 tickets sold by the KSCVC for Atlas viewing.
For those of you who already heard my opinion, disregard the following answer to Walter S's question.
My reason is because SpX-10 is going northeast and could possibly fly over the Playalinda spectators, which is why I think any debris from a failure could impact the viewing area.
I am not understanding? The rocket does not fly up the beach! If that was the case, wouldn't any launch with that trajectory be a threat, be it from 40 or 41? The FTS would blow it up as soon as it went five feet off course.
Getting hundreds of spectators off an observation gantry down to buses seems like more of a danger to me.
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#36
by
edkyle99
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:22
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Playalinda was always closed for Shuttle launches from 39A. Why wouldn't it also be closed for Falcon launches?
- Ed Kyle
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#37
by
teetlebomb
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:28
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Playalinda was always closed for Shuttle launches from 39A. Why wouldn't it also be closed for Falcon launches?
- Ed Kyle
As sghill said yesterday:
That's an excellent question, and I have an answer from the park service headquarters there for you ((321) 267-1110).
The nice lady there has told me that the South District (the part closest to the pads) are open for all launches now. I reminded her that space shuttle used to close the beach, and she told me: "It had bigger boom and tighter security needs."
So there you are.
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#38
by
Walter S
on 08 Feb, 2017 17:59
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The NPS may very well re-evaluate their stance on the launch viewing, however, in the past week, they have said the beach would be open. What I am trying to get across is that is is not unprecedented for the public to be this close to a rocket launch. The Delta II launched for years just three miles from peoples homes for instance and we all know they had their problems. As with anything, it is still best to call ahead before making the long trip over!
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#39
by
teetlebomb
on 08 Feb, 2017 21:11
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#40
by
teetlebomb
on 09 Feb, 2017 16:27
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Obviously I do not know their policy for launch viewing. It seems they may not know their policy either (or are just making it up as they go in this post-shuttle age). However, if they are closing the beach for a static fire, I do not have high hopes that they will be open for a launch.
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#41
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 14 Feb, 2017 17:20
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Playalinda will be closed for launch.
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#42
by
Comga
on 17 Feb, 2017 05:33
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Is anyone else going to be in the area of the Cape tomorrow?
Perhaps we could meet for or after dinner.
PM me if you are interested
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#43
by
Eagandale4114
on 17 Feb, 2017 05:59
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Is anyone else going to be in the area of the Cape tomorrow?
Perhaps we could meet for or after dinner.
PM me if you are interested
Here is another gathering if you are interested.
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#44
by
Folgers25
on 18 Feb, 2017 01:37
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Any NSF people going to KARS tomorrow?
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#45
by
Comga
on 18 Feb, 2017 02:12
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Any NSF people going to KARS tomorrow?
The NASA Goddard team for Raven with some teammates from industry will be there.
Can you just drive in without any pass?
I watched a launch from there years ago. I don't remember people arriving other than in the busses.
Edit: I didn't answer your question. I don't know if any of them are on NSF. I have an invite there but am going with a better offer.
If you hear of any meetup afterwards please post it or PM.
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#46
by
PahTo
on 18 Feb, 2017 03:12
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Any NSF people going to KARS tomorrow?
My brother Matt and good friend Jimmy should be on the dock, maybe with a family of four in tow. They've/we've seen more than a few launches, to include STS-130 and SDO (the latter from KARS). We expect KARS is about as good as it gets for S1 landing--if others know of a better spot pls speak up!
Illinois pickup and Jimmy looks a bit like Santa.
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#47
by
Folgers25
on 18 Feb, 2017 04:16
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Any NSF people going to KARS tomorrow?
My brother Matt and good friend Jimmy should be on the dock, maybe with a family of four in tow. They've/we've seen more than a few launches, to include STS-130 and SDO (the latter from KARS). We expect KARS is about as good as it gets for S1 landing--if others know of a better spot pls speak up!
Illinois pickup and Jimmy looks a bit like Santa.
That's where we plan to be, on the dock. It is the best place you can get to without a boat really.
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#48
by
Comga
on 18 Feb, 2017 11:23
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It's a gorgeous day at Kennedy Space Center
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#49
by
fatdeeman
on 18 Feb, 2017 12:28
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I can't wait to see what footage comes out of this, so envious of anyone that manages to get to see it in person even if it's a very distant view! Hopefully some amateurs with good cameras get some nice footage, there's been a lot of decent amateur launch footage recently!
Hopefully they can use a chase cam to follow it all the way back too, they can get clear footage of separation so it should be feasible.
In terms of purely superficial "cool looking stuff" this is the one I've been waiting for!
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#50
by
intrepidpursuit
on 19 Feb, 2017 10:41
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The Sheriff's ordered me down off the side of the mound behind the cruise terminal. Still don't understand the rules since I've watched launches up there before with no complaints and there were dozens of people up there even as I had to come down. Anyone know the rules and reasons there? There is no signage or fence.
Fortunately my NASA friend got a car pass for the second attempt so I can watch from inside the fence. Not sure which veiwing location yet, but I'm excited.
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#51
by
Rei
on 19 Feb, 2017 11:48
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The Sheriff's ordered me down off the side of the mound behind the cruise terminal. Still don't understand the rules since I've watched launches up there before with no complaints and there were dozens of people up there even as I had to come down. Anyone know the rules and reasons there? There is no signage or fence.
Fortunately my NASA friend got a car pass for the second attempt so I can watch from inside the fence. Not sure which veiwing location yet, but I'm excited.
Could this be related to Musk's statement several months ago that they're looking to enhance their security procedures after they realized that a gunshot could reproduce the failure witnessed last time, even though it turned out not to be the actual cause?
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#52
by
Jim
on 19 Feb, 2017 12:05
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The Sheriff's ordered me down off the side of the mound behind the cruise terminal. Still don't understand the rules since I've watched launches up there before with no complaints and there were dozens of people up there even as I had to come down. Anyone know the rules and reasons there? There is no signage or fence.
Fortunately my NASA friend got a car pass for the second attempt so I can watch from inside the fence. Not sure which veiwing location yet, but I'm excited.
Could this be related to Musk's statement several months ago that they're looking to enhance their security procedures after they realized that a gunshot could reproduce the failure witnessed last time, even though it turned out not to be the actual cause?
no
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#53
by
deruch
on 19 Feb, 2017 13:10
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Could this be related to Musk's statement several months ago that they're looking to enhance their security procedures after they realized that a gunshot could reproduce the failure witnessed last time, even though it turned out not to be the actual cause?
Anyone who can score a hit from more than 12 miles away, is gonna hit whatever he wants no matter the security procedures.
Which is to say: No.
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#54
by
sghill
on 22 Aug, 2017 16:30
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Thread bump.
Playalinda Beach was OPEN for CRS-12 launch and landing viewing!
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#55
by
Michael Baylor
on 24 Aug, 2017 02:52
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Thread bump.
Playalinda Beach was OPEN for CRS-12 launch and landing viewing!
I heard it was going to be open for most launches now. As for the landings, can you even see them from that far away?
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#56
by
sghill
on 24 Aug, 2017 11:44
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Thread bump.
Playalinda Beach was OPEN for CRS-12 launch and landing viewing!
I heard it was going to be open for most launches now. As for the landings, can you even see them from that far away?
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#57
by
kdhilliard
on 24 Aug, 2017 14:50
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From comments on that YouTube video, it sounds like they are now only closing the southernmost kilometer of the beach. That is a nice compromise. Besides keeping it open for viewing of 39A launches, it also means that the launches and static fires don't interfere with local beachgoers' plans.
~Kirk
. Launch viewing is not "at you own risk".