Author Topic: Falcon Heavy - NASASpaceflight member meetup (Read 73662 times)

mike robel · « **Reply #120 on:** 01/31/2018 01:37 am »

This is the view of Discovery on her final flight from the viewing site I reference up-thread, just so you can get an idea of the view.

The first shows the pad just before ignition. The little sign in the foreground can be seen with the naked eye and will let you know where to look.

2nd is just after ignition.

3rd is after a bit of climb-out and clear of the smoke.

sghill · « **Reply #121 on:** 01/31/2018 01:51 pm »

Quote from: Jakusb on 01/29/2018 11:22 pm

So, I am freaking out a little bit, mo worries, just a little bit, it still.
I am arriving Jan 5th midnight onto 6th. So 13 hours before first launch attempt.
KSC is sold out. Exploration Tower is not yet selling. I do not yet have a car and clearly unfamiliar there anyway.

What/where hotel are you staying?

Quote

I guess waaiers seems to try and get a ticket for Exploration Tower. Or would it be possible to get somewhere strategically in middle on public road without a car?
I plan to go as early as possible. Maybe even leaving from my Orlando hotel around 0800.

Any help and or suggestions welcome and much appreciated. This is my bucket list item and do not want to mess it up after flying halfway across the world to experience it.

Since this is your first launch, you are unfamiliar with the area, it will be a high attendance launch, Exploration Tower will be closed on the 6th and you won't have a car, here is my suggestion to make your trip as easy as it can be under the circumstances:

Tell the hotel to call you a cab (some hotels have a complimentary shuttle bus) to Port Canaveral. Tell the driver to take you to "FishLips Restaurant" in Port Canaveral around 10:00 or 11:00. Go to the rooftop restaurant area and grab a table at the beginning of the launch window. Stay there until the rocket lifts off, or the launch is scrubbed for the day. If the rocket launches, you will have an excellent view from the restaurant rooftop of both the ascent and landings. Plus, you will have food, drinks, bathrooms and there will be LOTS of other people watching. Invite someone to sit with you if you'd like.

If the launch is scrubbed on the 6th, try again the next day.

To everyone who hasn't been to a launch, I suggest you bring the largest, nicest binoculars you can afford. I've found telescopes are kind of hard to use once the launch happens,and no one wants to lug one around all day anyway. I've got image-stabilized Nikon binoculars that are fabulous for watching distant moving targets.

For everyone else, I will be wearing my NSF.com tee-shirt and have my family in tow. Since the tower is closed on the 6th, I will be on Rt. 401 in my SUV, and then Fishlips afterwards for food. Please come up and say hello if you see me. If the launch scrubs to the 7th, I will try for Exploration Tower that morning. It has a magnificent view.

Weather forecast looks breezy and clear on the 6th. Warmer with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms on the 7th, but less wind.

The_Ronin · « **Reply #122 on:** 01/31/2018 02:22 pm »

So, Exploration Tower will NOT be selling tickets for 2/6 as it is rented out for a private function. They may sell VIP launch viewing tickets on 2/7 but not confirmed.

I guess I will head over to Jetty Park or over on Rte 401 like sghill. If you see a guy with a little redhead kid tagging along, that would be me.

Jakusb · « **Reply #123 on:** 01/31/2018 03:38 pm »

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions! Fishlips definitely sounds like a solid plan. Does it have Free Wifi that is of usable quality?

Quote from: Michael Baylor on 01/06/2018 03:05 am

Quote from: cscott on 01/04/2018 05:33 pm
I'm thinking the public beach near jetty park would be the right thing this time; it should have a great view of the dual landing.
The only spot that could be better is if KSC offers some additional viewing locations. The NASA Causeway would be amazing. It splits the distance between pad and landing zones. However, it's typically not open to the public. That being said, this is the most exciting launch at KSC since the final Shuttle mission, so they might add some additional viewing locations. Keep an eye out!

Any new on the NASA Causeway? Or how could we find out if it would be open to public?

go4mars · « **Reply #124 on:** 01/31/2018 04:51 pm »

Good chance I'll fly down and meet some of you there!

Jim · « **Reply #125 on:** 01/31/2018 04:53 pm »

Quote from: Jakusb on 01/31/2018 03:38 pm

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions! Fishlips definitely sounds like a solid plan. Does it have Free Wifi that is of usable quality?

Quote from: Michael Baylor on 01/06/2018 03:05 am
Quote from: cscott on 01/04/2018 05:33 pm
I'm thinking the public beach near jetty park would be the right thing this time; it should have a great view of the dual landing.
The only spot that could be better is if KSC offers some additional viewing locations. The NASA Causeway would be amazing. It splits the distance between pad and landing zones. However, it's typically not open to the public. That being said, this is the most exciting launch at KSC since the final Shuttle mission, so they might add some additional viewing locations. Keep an eye out!

Any new on the NASA Causeway? Or how could we find out if it would be open to public?

The visitor center would sell passes for it

Craig_VG · « **Reply #126 on:** 01/31/2018 05:11 pm »

Quote from: The_Ronin on 01/31/2018 02:22 pm

So, Exploration Tower will NOT be selling tickets for 2/6 as it is rented out for a private function.

Indeed, SpaceX has rented it out for press

speedevil · « **Reply #127 on:** 01/31/2018 05:17 pm »

Quote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 01:51 pm

To everyone who hasn't been to a launch, I suggest you bring the largest, nicest binoculars you can afford. I've found telescopes are kind of hard to use once the launch happens,and no one wants to lug one around all day anyway. I've got image-stabilized Nikon binoculars that are fabulous for watching distant moving targets.

If these are new binoculars, practice with them a bit in the couple of days beforehand, tracking objects, especially moving ones, is a skill, and you get way better with even a little practice. IS is almost cheating, but adds a moderate pile of cash.

You will likely want a tripod or some form of stabilisation if you go to large binocs. (>70mm or so). Practice to ensure you can smoothly track an ascending target over a wide range of angles.

kslagle · « **Reply #128 on:** 01/31/2018 05:21 pm »

Went all in on this and booked a flight from CA, found a hotel and bought a ticket to the Rocket Garden (was slow to buy a better package, unfortunately) just to make sure I had some plan.

However, in reading all this and understanding each site has a different perspective, I am wondering if the Merritt Island site, Rt. 401 or Playalinda may be better than a partially blocked view from the Rocket Garden?

I am sure I will be in awe in any location.

sghill · « **Reply #129 on:** 01/31/2018 05:35 pm »

Quote from: kslagle on 01/31/2018 05:21 pm

Went all in on this and booked a flight from CA, found a hotel and bought a ticket to the Rocket Garden (was slow to buy a better package, unfortunately) just to make sure I had some plan.

However, in reading all this and understanding each site has a different perspective, I am wondering if the Merritt Island site, Rt. 401 or Playalinda may be better than a partially blocked view from the Rocket Garden?

I am sure I will be in awe in any location.

You'll be fine. And very close.

CyndyC · « **Reply #130 on:** 01/31/2018 06:19 pm »

Sghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river?

Is there a charge for parking in the large lot on 401? And zooming in there is a parking lot further east much smaller but specifically labeled "Rocket Launch Parking". How fast does that one fill up and is it free?

With Ex Tower rented out I'm not confident that Fishlips won't be too. There will be a lot of SpaceX family & friends to please

Jim · « **Reply #131 on:** 01/31/2018 06:24 pm »

Quote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pm

With Ex Tower rented out I'm not confident that Fishlips won't be too. There will be a lot of SpaceX family & friends to please

Fish lips doesn't rent out the whole upper floor

jpo234 · « **Reply #132 on:** 01/31/2018 06:43 pm »

Quote from: GenXApollo on 01/30/2018 10:00 pm

Quote from: Jakusb on 01/29/2018 11:22 pm
.... Exploration Tower is not yet selling....

Exploration Tower will not be selling tickets for the F9H launch on Feb 6th. They are hosting a private event (all day).

And in case of a scrub there will be a private event on the delay day as well, I'm sure.

mike robel · « **Reply #133 on:** 01/31/2018 07:07 pm »

Quote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pm

Sghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river?

Is there a charge for parking in the large lot on 401? And zooming in there is a parking lot further east much smaller but specifically labeled "Rocket Launch Parking". How fast does that one fill up and is it free?

There is a Tree line obscuring the view toward the launch pads from Jetty Park that I detest. While it is also there across the river from 528, you can just barely see the pads sticking out over the trees. Having said that, I got some great photos of the Delta II launches from there, but the LC 39 pads are further away.

I've never got to 401 for a viewing because I am satisfied with the view from 528.

For some launches I have gone to Cherie Down Park on Cape Canaveral, but as you can see it bests for launches from the really old pads (Delta II) and it is obstructed most of the way to LC 39. You do get a good view of the vehicle when the launch is to the East, as this one will be, but I like being able to see the Park.

Jetty Park is north of this location and suffers much the same problem.

I watched two space shuttle launches from Titusville from the parking lot of my favorite restaurant, which has now changed owners and changed everything (Shiloh's Steak and Seafood) so I don't go there anymore, but getting out was terrible, although the view was good. I don't know if they still let you park there for launches or not.

Titusville is okay if you can find a good place to park (not on the road shoulder), and then walk across US 1 to the river.

I've never watched a launch from Playlinda Beach, but I imagine it would be spectacular. ITs pretty far to go, the beach closes at 1800, and I just don't want to go up that far because I am so satisfied with the view from 528.

billh · « **Reply #134 on:** 01/31/2018 07:10 pm »

I'm really looking forward to the meetup at Fishlips the night before. I can picture how it will go down as I get a chance to meet some NSF celebrities:

ME: This is so exciting! What a pleasure it is to meet each other at last!
JIM: Incorrect.

Just kidding, Jim. I promise not to pester you.

CeeJayDugan · « **Reply #135 on:** 01/31/2018 07:19 pm »

It is starting to feel VERY real. Though it will feel SUPER real if they are able to clear GovSat today. Looking forward to the Fishlips meet up Monday night. It will be nice to hang out with other space geeks. My non-space enthusiast friends and family can't wait to ship me off to Florida to shut me up!

OnWithTheShow · « **Reply #136 on:** 01/31/2018 07:30 pm »

Is there a confirmed Tuesday/Wednesday night (post-launch/scrub/rud) meetup as well? I wont be getting in until late Monday night.

OnWithTheShow · « **Reply #137 on:** 01/31/2018 08:58 pm »

GovSat complete = flights booked. See you all Tuesday

Jakusb · « **Reply #138 on:** 01/31/2018 09:17 pm »

Quote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 08:13 pm

Quote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pm
Sghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river?

He doesn't have a car and a cabbie can find Fishlips.

Looking at google streetview, It seems 401 will have best view of launch
And Fishlips should have best view of the landings, while having some brush obstructing view of launchpad?

Ok, looking at Google Maps, I think I see 401 being about 1-2 mile from Fishlips?
That should be an easy walk to where you are standing, or is something preventing that option?
I plan to go there as early as I can to prevent any issues with possible traffic jams.
With the Wifi and food @Fishlips I can happily work on my laptop until the real excitement begins..
I just have to figure out if it is cheaper to rent a car or get an uber...
My hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...

Ike17055 · « **Reply #139 on:** 01/31/2018 09:25 pm »

I love the excitement that comes through the posts here. Suddenly, this does feel very “real.” I know the area well but this my first launch; can anyone reccomend how much time i need to get from the city of cape canaveral to the visitor center on a big launch day? I have Feel the Heat seating, and need to figure out how early to start the trek. Much better to be way early than to be a little late. Thanks for any advice.