Space Shuttle Launch Viewing

[jkladis]

The other night, a family member asked me if I would be interested in seeing a live launch of a space shuttle. After approximately five minutes of laughter, I settled down and we started discussing the possibility. I think I'm finally going to schedule this.

We're thinking either STS-122 (Atlantis) on Dec 6 of this year, or STS-123 (Endeavour) on Feb 14.

Has anyone ever witnessed a launch before to share an experience? I'm also curious to know of any tips for viewing and anything a first-timer should avoid.

 

[Mike Okuda]

A space shuttle launch is an extraordinary experience. Witnessing a spaceship breaking Earth's surly bonds is something to remember for the rest of your life.

There aren't many shuttle flights left in the program, and once the shuttle is retired, it will be several years until the Orion ships start flying to the Space Station, and even longer until Orion heads to the moon. So jump at the opportunity when it presents itself.

I think the most important advice is NOT to try to photograph the launch. Just soak it in with your eyes. You can get far better photos and videos from the NASA website, NASA-TV and other sources.

Also, bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Be prepared for the very real possibility of a delay. Some launches go on schedule, but delays are not uncommon. With launches to the International Space Station, if there's a delay, the launch attempt will generally be rescheduled to about the same time on the following day. (The only non-ISS launch remaining on the manifest is STS-125, the final Hubble servicing mission, tentatively set for next August.) If possible, book yourself (and your hotel) for several consecutive days. It's always a bit of a gamble, but in my opinion, absolutely worth it.

If there's a delay, it's a perfect opportunity to take in the Kennedy Space Center VIsitors' Center, as well as the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Don't miss the Saturn V Center. I don't know if they still have them, but check to see if they offer the bus tour of the historic Cape Canaveral sites. And, of course, there's always Walt Disney World.

Launch viewing tickets are sold at
http://www.ksctickets.com/ltt.html
or call 321 449 4400

Order as early as you possibly can. Here's more advice on watching a shuttle launch:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view/view_shuttle.html

Good luck!

-Mike

 

[JustAFriend]

Something they dont tell you: Be prepared to sit in your car all day.

During tourist season, several million people head over to Canaveral for the launches and the few roads (Beeline Highway from Orlando, I-95 north and south) are jammed all day long.

There are a number of parks and spots to park along the Intercoastal Waterway across from the island that NASA is on, but they fill up quickly and parking is problematic. You WILL be towed or ticketed from businesses.

You CAN see the launches clearly from as far south as Melbourne or north to Daytona and there are a LOT of beach parks along US1. You don't have to be right in Canaveral to get a good view and you'll avoid a lot of the crowds. Taking along a $20 battery-powered TV helps as you can watch the local coverage to see the close-ups as to whats going on.

(I live 100miles south of the Cape and can see the launches from about +15seconds to SRB separation on a good clear day just by stepping out my front door and looking due north. The night launches are spectacular - wish they'd have more of 'em...)

 

[Johnny Rico]

Or, if you have HDNET on your satellite/cable TV listing, they broadcast the launches and landings in Hi-Def ever since the Return-to-Flight (for obvious reasons). They also do it 5.1 audio as well, so you get a good feel for what it sounds like if you're there.

It starts out fairly quiet until the sound gets from the launch pad to the mics on the camera back whereever it is, then you get this slow increase in a heavy bass rumble and then that fades somewhat followed by the loud engine crackle in the rear speakers.

I've seen two launches now via HDNET and when I saw and heard that first one, I truely thought I was there.

 

[jkladis]

Mike Okuda said:
I think the most important advice is NOT to try to photograph the launch. Just soak it in with your eyes. You can get far better photos and videos from the NASA website, NASA-TV and other sources.

Totally agree. I'm easily moved by such events. To see this live should be unlike anything.

Thanks for all the advice thus far, guys. I'm quickly gathering the impression of a high-volume tourist squeeze, so I shall try and plan wisely.

 

[Mallory]

I'm glad you're going to do this jkladis. I had the privilege of living close to the Cape in the late 1960's and to this day I can remember the thrill (and awe) of watching Titan II (Gemini) and Saturn V (Apollo) launches. I'm sure the experience will be just as memorable for you.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Never seen a Shuttle launch, but did See one Saturn V (Apollo 16), and one Saturn 1b (Skylab 2 according to NASA data, but the mission patch says "Skylab I"..confusing? Yes!) from the VIP viewing area. It's good to have an uncle at NASA.

One thing I was suprised at was the sound. You don't just hear a launch. You feel it. You feel the ground shake a bit, you feel the sound waves on your rib cage.

This is less of an issue these days since the config of a Shuttle is different from a Saturn, but the cape lighthouse is NOT the rocket you're wanting to watch.

Sunscreen. Water for drinking. Even those times of the year, it can get rather toasty in central Florida!

Good Luck, and have fun!

AG

 

[jkladis]

Forgive the antique thread bump, but I finally got it booked. I'll be going somewhere in Cocoa Beach to watch Discovery go up this Saturday. Let's hope for a timely and safe launch.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

May she fly on time, may she fly safely, and may you bask in the thunder!

AG

 

[Crazy_Uncle]

May she fly on time, may she fly safely, and may you bask in the thunder!

AG

Eloquently said, and I second the thought. 20 minutes until launch.

 

[Squiggy]

Mmmm...launchy....

 

[M'Sharak]

Meanie.

 

[Squiggy]

Indeed I am.

 

[M'Sharak]

Pix?

 

[Squiggy]

Nah, left my camera at home this time. But it looked just like 117's launch last year:

 

[M'Sharak]

Cool. Sounds like a great spot.

 

[Squiggy]

The sound is the best part.

 

[JustAFriend]

Pix?

Video is much better than plain pics....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTKh6y0wIIc

This is about 5-6miles south of the pad on the Rt.520 causeway in Port Canaveral...

 

[M'Sharak]

After 45 years of seeing stuff get launched, I still haven't got tired of watching them go up.

The sound is the best part.

More a tactile thing than mere sound at that range, I'm thinking.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Cant's speak to shuttle launches first hand, but I know that you not only heard Apollo/Saturn launches, but you felt 'em on your ribs as well.

Squiggy, that's about the same place I was standing back in April of '72 and May of '73.... maybe a little closer to the VAB and in front of the firing rooms though. Hard to correlate the old memories of the buildings when there were rockets to pay attention to.

AG