Author Topic: Falcon Heavy - Saturn V Center Launch Viewers (Read 14630 times)

JohnR · « **on:** 01/26/2018 04:04 pm »

Starting this topic for any NSF members which will be watching the Falcon Heavy launch from the Saturn V Center at KSCVC and would like to have a mini-meetup there.

CeeJayDugan · « **Reply #1 on:** 01/26/2018 04:46 pm »

My Dad and I have tickets for this and (presuming we can get a flight out there!) will have our Champaign flutes ready for a toast. Should we just all start yelling "NSF!" over and over until all members are present and accounted for?

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 01/26/2018 05:08 pm »

I'm not really sure, but we can come up with something. If the full member meet up is pre-launch, we can organize something there.

alhenry1231 · « **Reply #3 on:** 01/26/2018 07:41 pm »

Tried to get in but tickets sold out before I committed.

I'll be on the shuttle lawn.

JohnR · « **Reply #4 on:** 01/26/2018 08:00 pm »

Quote from: alhenry1231 on 01/26/2018 07:41 pm

Tried to get in but tickets sold out before I committed.

I'll be on the shuttle lawn.

Lotsa Space · « **Reply #5 on:** 01/26/2018 10:02 pm »

Looking forward to seeing everyone there! Safe travels, all!

kerrycockram · « **Reply #6 on:** 01/26/2018 11:12 pm »

I'm sure I'll be the only bald, bearded dude carrying a big camera lens with a slightly exasperated woman in tow.

I was gonna say let's par-tay. But seeing as there'll be kids there let's just be hap-pay at this next step toward leaving this rock.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #7 on:** 01/26/2018 11:51 pm »

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/26/2018 04:46 pm

My Dad and I have tickets for this and (presuming we can get a flight out there!) will have our Champaign flutes ready for a toast. Should we just all start yelling "NSF!" over and over until all members are present and accounted for?

Chris B has missed out on a amazing opportunity to shill NSF t-shirts & hats! Next opportunity...BFR, NG, Vulcan

JohnR · « **Reply #8 on:** 01/27/2018 12:02 am »

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 01/26/2018 11:51 pm

Chris B has missed out on a amazing opportunity to shill NSF t-shirts & hats! Next opportunity...BFR, NG, Vulcan

I was thinking the same thing. Where's the NSF online store? Maybe I'll stop by Office Depot and pick up either some nametags or stickers and print the NSF logo on them. If the big meet up is before launch I can share with others and if not, try and find me. I will most likely be wearing my blue SpaceX T-Shirt and a black backpack.

salpun · « **Reply #9 on:** 01/27/2018 12:20 am »

For those that don't visit the Saturn V Center often to get the best view of the landing phase i would suggest meeting in section "C" near the top.

Hope everyone that gets tickets has a great time. I did when I got to see CRS-13 launch last month.

kerrycockram · « **Reply #10 on:** 01/27/2018 01:32 am »

Some health tips from a Florida resident:

1) Bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat per person. Wear light clothes with long sleeves and pants. Cover your feet with shoes, not flip-flops. Forget the temperature; if you spend more than an hour outside you can get burned. And burns = skin cancer.

2) Bring bug spray. 100% deet is best, but is also really bad for you. Decide now: West Nile or Deet-induced cancer. Either way, insects are annoying. At least this time of year has less bugs, but less is relative.

3) Bring water and maybe a few light snacks. I recommend something like a Camelbak (1-2 liters per person). Yes, KSC will have food and drink for sale but it's ridiculously expensive. Quick story: for STS-135, we used almost 2 gallons of water. And the traffic was so bad leaving that the beef jerky in our packs was a godsend.

4) You can buy all of the above anywhere you want, but the closer you get to KSC, the more expensive they will be.

5) Above all, remember that Florida is in the subtropical zone. It can be humid and bright, humid and dark, humid and rainy, or any of the above plus mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds (only a slight exaggeration). So plan accordingly.

I typically look like this going out (except I'm not gonna wear shorts):

.

I do that because I'm pale and don't want to die of skin cancer. Lemme die of alcohol poisoning, like a man should.

Jim · « **Reply #11 on:** 01/27/2018 02:08 am »

Temperatures aren't going to be that warm

kerrycockram · « **Reply #12 on:** 01/27/2018 03:02 am »

Cancer doesn't care about temperature.

AnalogMan · « **Reply #13 on:** 01/27/2018 12:13 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 01/27/2018 12:02 am

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 01/26/2018 11:51 pm
Chris B has missed out on a amazing opportunity to shill NSF t-shirts & hats! Next opportunity...BFR, NG, Vulcan

I was thinking the same thing. Where's the NSF online store? Maybe I'll stop by Office Depot and pick up either some nametags or stickers and print the NSF logo on them. If the big meet up is before launch I can share with others and if not, try and find me. I will most likely be wearing my blue SpaceX T-Shirt and a black backpack.

https://www.cafepress.com/nasasf

JohnR · « **Reply #14 on:** 01/27/2018 12:46 pm »

Quote from: AnalogMan on 01/27/2018 12:13 pm

https://www.cafepress.com/nasasf

I had no idea. Thanks!

Lar · « **Reply #15 on:** 01/27/2018 04:35 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 01/27/2018 12:46 pm

Quote from: AnalogMan on 01/27/2018 12:13 pm
https://www.cafepress.com/nasasf

I had no idea. Thanks!

Some enterprising person could buy up an assortment and sell it onwards at a small markup (not me, work prevents me from going at all, sadly)

Oersted · « **Reply #16 on:** 01/27/2018 07:08 pm »

Especially since it is the ~~old~~ vintage logo...

Ike17055 · « **Reply #17 on:** 01/27/2018 11:35 pm »

Glad i got my Feel the Heat tic already. Now just need to book a flight from PA and find some lodging.

CeeJayDugan · « **Reply #18 on:** 01/29/2018 09:52 pm »

Quote from: salpun on 01/27/2018 12:20 am

For those that don't visit the Saturn V Center often to get the best view of the landing phase i would suggest meeting in section "C" near the top.

Hope everyone that gets tickets has a great time. I did when I got to see CRS-13 launch last month.

Is there any way you can mark up this overhead shot as to where section C is? Would like to know in advance where we'd be trying to scramble to.

kerrycockram · « **Reply #19 on:** 01/29/2018 10:16 pm »

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/29/2018 09:52 pm

Quote from: salpun on 01/27/2018 12:20 am
For those that don't visit the Saturn V Center often to get the best view of the landing phase i would suggest meeting in section "C" near the top.

Hope everyone that gets tickets has a great time. I did when I got to see CRS-13 launch last month.

Is there any way you can mark up this overhead shot as to where section C is? Would like to know in advance where we'd be trying to scramble to.

That's a great question I didn't think to ask until you did! I've got a tripod or two and more cameras than I have limbs so it'd be great if I could pre-plan where to be that a) gets the best view possible and b) doesn't prevent anyone else from getting their best view possible.

salpun · « **Reply #20 on:** 01/29/2018 10:28 pm »

They are identified top of the image to the bottom "A" to "G" The yellow stripe is the stairs. "C" is near the Blue dot identifying the panorama image identifying the launch sites.

kerrycockram · « **Reply #21 on:** 01/29/2018 10:48 pm »

Quote from: salpun on 01/29/2018 10:28 pm

They are identified top of the image to the bottom "A" to "G" The yellow stripe is the stairs. "C" is near the Blue dot identifying the panorama image identifying the launch sites.

Bless you for some clarity. Thanks!

Edit: If you look at the "street" view, you can see most everywhere will be just fine for a 39a launch.

intrepidpursuit · « **Reply #22 on:** 01/29/2018 10:52 pm »

For those who haven't had much experience with KSC, the visitor's center and all the "on site" viewing areas are run by a tourist company called Delaware North. So all the tourist trap cautions apply. Water bottles will be very expensive and water fountains uncommon (but can be found), food will be VERY expensive and terrible, and everything will cost extra. The suggestions above about bringing your own food and water and treating it almost like camping are good ones.

JohnR · « **Reply #23 on:** 01/30/2018 10:37 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 01/27/2018 12:02 am

I was thinking the same thing. Where's the NSF online store? Maybe I'll stop by Office Depot and pick up either some nametags or stickers and print the NSF logo on them. If the big meet up is before launch I can share with others and if not, try and find me. I will most likely be wearing my blue SpaceX T-Shirt and a black backpack.

I found the stickers. I'll print them up with the NSF logo. If the big meet up is before launch, I will bring them with me to share. If not, I'll be wearing one (probably on my KSCVC AP and/or on my backpack).

alhenry1231 · « **Reply #24 on:** 01/31/2018 05:10 pm »

Has anyone received their parking passes?

JohnR · « **Reply #25 on:** 01/31/2018 05:20 pm »

Quote from: alhenry1231 on 01/31/2018 05:10 pm

Has anyone received their parking passes?

I received mine yesterday.

schaban · « **Reply #26 on:** 01/31/2018 05:22 pm »

got them yesterday

kerrycockram · « **Reply #27 on:** 01/31/2018 05:37 pm »

Quote from: alhenry1231 on 01/31/2018 05:10 pm

Has anyone received their parking passes?

Got mine this morning.

CeeJayDugan · « **Reply #28 on:** 01/31/2018 05:56 pm »

Yes, mine came yesterday.

billh · « **Reply #29 on:** 01/31/2018 06:53 pm »

Got mine this morning. I was going to call today if it didn't come.

Lotsa Space · « **Reply #30 on:** 01/31/2018 07:30 pm »

Mine arrived this afternoon.

CeeJayDugan · « **Reply #31 on:** 01/31/2018 09:56 pm »

My parking pass says "arrive 6 hours before launch". Does this mean you have to be at the viewing stands 6 hours early or just in KSC somewhere?

billh · « **Reply #32 on:** 01/31/2018 10:17 pm »

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/31/2018 09:56 pm

My parking pass says "arrive 6 hours before launch". Does this mean you have to be at the viewing stands 6 hours early or just in KSC somewhere?

My take is that's the time you should be arriving at the entrance to the Visitor Center parking lot, where they will check your placard. But that's just my read. What it actually says is, "The arrival time listed on your vehicle placard is the time you should arrive to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on launch day."

BTW, mine says "arrive 5 hours before launch". It appears they are trying to stagger everyone's arrival.

intrepidpursuit · « **Reply #33 on:** 01/31/2018 11:08 pm »

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/31/2018 09:56 pm

My parking pass says "arrive 6 hours before launch". Does this mean you have to be at the viewing stands 6 hours early or just in KSC somewhere?

The line will be at the entry gates screening cars, so I'd assume they mean to arrive at KSC to start waiting in line.

kerrycockram · « **Reply #34 on:** 01/31/2018 11:22 pm »

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/31/2018 09:56 pm

BTW, mine says "arrive 5 hours before launch". It appears they are trying to stagger everyone's arrival.

Seconded - mine also says 5 hours. It's rational to attempt but human nature sometimes defies engineering.

Ike17055 · « **Reply #35 on:** 02/04/2018 01:02 pm »

Quote from: kerrycockram on 01/31/2018 11:22 pm

Quote from: CeeJayDugan on 01/31/2018 09:56 pm
BTW, mine says "arrive 5 hours before launch". It appears they are trying to stagger everyone's arrival.

Seconded - mine also says 5 hours. It's rational to attempt but human nature sometimes defies engineering.

And we are talking about a target “launch time” of 1:00 for such purposes, right? So five hours means, be in line (which line?) by 8Am. Anyone have guidance on the traffic situation around Visitor Center prior to a launch of this scale? I will be coming up Rt. 1 (probably) from the city of cape canaveral.

JohnR · « **Reply #36 on:** 02/04/2018 01:27 pm »

Quote from: Ike17055 on 02/04/2018 01:02 pm

And we are talking about a target “launch time” of 1:00 for such purposes, right? So five hours means, be in line (which line?) by 8Am. Anyone have guidance on the traffic situation around Visitor Center prior to a launch of this scale? I will be coming up Rt. 1 (probably) from the city of cape canaveral.

They have clarified the instructions on their website here -> https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/falcon-heavy-launches

Get there at 8:30 AM. Last bus leaves KSCVC for Saturn V Center at 10:30 AM.

If you are coming from Cape Canaveral, going all the way to US 1 is the "long" way. Take FL 528/A1A (Beachline Expressway) west and get off on the FL 3 (Courtenay Parkway) exit. Turn right to drive north and follow that all the way to Space Commerce Way stoplight and hang a left. Admire the new Blue Origin factory on your left as you drive by. When you get to the stoplight for the NASA Parkway, turn right. Entrance to KSCVC is on the right. There are signs along the way.

Google Maps Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/N6w8FXgQrz62

Edit: Corrected typos & added Google Maps link

Boost · « **Reply #37 on:** 02/04/2018 09:56 pm »

Do we need to buy a KSCVC ticket at arrival, or will it be possible to go directly from the car parking to the bus with a "Feel the heat" ticket ?

JohnR · « **Reply #38 on:** 02/04/2018 10:05 pm »

Quote from: Boost on 02/04/2018 09:56 pm

Do we need to buy a KSCVC at arrival, or will it be possible to go directly from the car parking to the bus with a "Feel the heat" ticket ?

Bus boarding is inside the visitors center.
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/maps

Boost · « **Reply #39 on:** 02/04/2018 10:20 pm »

It is said the ticket includes a 2-day pass to the KSCVC, so no additionnal purchase should be necessary for us isn't it ?

JohnR · « **Reply #40 on:** 02/04/2018 10:28 pm »

Quote from: Boost on 02/04/2018 10:20 pm

It is said the ticket includes a 2-day pass to the KSCVC, so no additionnal purchase should be necessary for us isn't it ?

Correct. I am guessing they are going to ask us to head straight to the buses after going through the turnstiles.

Ike17055 · « **Reply #41 on:** 02/05/2018 01:14 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 02/04/2018 01:27 pm

Quote from: Ike17055 on 02/04/2018 01:02 pm
And we are talking about a target “launch time” of 1:00 for such purposes, right? So five hours means, be in line (which line?) by 8Am. Anyone have guidance on the traffic situation around Visitor Center prior to a launch of this scale? I will be coming up Rt. 1 (probably) from the city of cape canaveral.

They have clarified the instructions on their website here -> https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/falcon-heavy-launches

Get there at 8:30 AM. Last bus leaves KSCVC for Saturn V Center at 10:30 AM.

If you are coming from Cape Canaveral, going all the way to US 1 is the "long" way. Take FL 528/A1A (Beachline Expressway) west and get off on the FL 3 (Courtenay Parkway) exit. Turn right to drive north and follow that all the way to Space Commerce Way stoplight and hang a left. Admire the new Blue Origin factory on your left as you drive by. When you get to the stoplight for the NASA Parkway, turn right. Entrance to KSCVC is on the right. There are signs along the way.

Google Maps Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/N6w8FXgQrz62

Edit: Corrected typos & added Google Maps link

Enormously helpful. Very many thanks.

kerrycockram · « **Reply #42 on:** 02/05/2018 02:06 pm »

Does anyone think me using a folding cart to transport my folding chairs, tripods, cameras, etc will be a problem?

Edit
Finally got through to KSC on the phone. According to the nice lady, the cart, my cameras/tripods, and our collapsible chairs are OK. The fact that the cart folds up nicely helps. That said, security will make their own calls on the spot so it's not a 100% guarantee.

Leaving this here in case anyone else had the question.
End edit

The cart is 54" long x 24" wide x 26" high.

And it folds up so I can get it on/off the bus:

Jim · « **Reply #43 on:** 02/05/2018 02:09 pm »

Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:06 pm

Does anyone think me using a folding cart to transport my folding chairs, tripods, cameras, etc will be a problem?

There are bleachers at the Saturn V center

kerrycockram · « **Reply #44 on:** 02/05/2018 02:14 pm »

Quote from: Jim on 02/05/2018 02:09 pm

Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:06 pm
Does anyone think me using a folding cart to transport my folding chairs, tripods, cameras, etc will be a problem?

There are bleachers at the Saturn V center

Yessir - I should have mentioned I plan to be on the lawn in front of the bleachers, as far forward as sightlines, fencing, and gator awareness will let me be.

The main concern I have is whether the visitor center staff will have an issue with it. But it's really the size of a big kid stroller, so I was hoping not.

Jim · « **Reply #45 on:** 02/05/2018 02:50 pm »

Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:14 pm

Quote from: Jim on 02/05/2018 02:09 pm
Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:06 pm
Does anyone think me using a folding cart to transport my folding chairs, tripods, cameras, etc will be a problem?

There are bleachers at the Saturn V center

Yessir - I should have mentioned I plan to be on the lawn in front of the bleachers, as far forward as sightlines, fencing, and gator awareness will let me be.

The main concern I have is whether the visitor center staff will have an issue with it. But it's really the size of a big kid stroller, so I was hoping not.

"Additionally, large coolers, luggage and other large bags are not permitted through the front gate"

kerrycockram · « **Reply #46 on:** 02/05/2018 03:14 pm »

Quote from: Jim on 02/05/2018 02:50 pm

Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:14 pm
Quote from: Jim on 02/05/2018 02:09 pm
Quote from: kerrycockram on 02/05/2018 02:06 pm
Does anyone think me using a folding cart to transport my folding chairs, tripods, cameras, etc will be a problem?

There are bleachers at the Saturn V center

Yessir - I should have mentioned I plan to be on the lawn in front of the bleachers, as far forward as sightlines, fencing, and gator awareness will let me be.

The main concern I have is whether the visitor center staff will have an issue with it. But it's really the size of a big kid stroller, so I was hoping not.

"Additionally, large coolers, luggage and other large bags are not permitted through the front gate"

Yeah, that was the part that made me question my plan. I did finally get through to KSC and edited my post with what I got. Short version: lady on the phone says yes, but security could make another call tomorrow morning.

Gonna repack to support man-portable carrying, just in case. Semper Gumby applies.

c · « **Reply #47 on:** 02/06/2018 10:24 am »

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Up until 6:00 am (local) everything was flowing good: I95, NASA Causeway, etc.

6:20 am —- Traffic into the KCS Visistor Center is backing up. The diehards here very early parked off the road right at the parking entrance. Unfortunately the slightly less enthusiastic just began stopping on the road, blocking us fanatics in.

Per the guard at the KSC VC gate they will open up parking at 630 am.

Ike17055 · « **Reply #48 on:** 02/06/2018 03:41 pm »

30 minute delay now official