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Space Shuttle launch viewing

TerriO

Writer-type human
Premium Member
As promised, a thread to discuss any and all space shuttle launch viewings from today on out until the end of the program.
 
Great! Can someone tell me how I actually see a shuttle launch in person in Tampa. My wife and I want to go see one of the last launches in 2010. How close can we get? Is it hyper expensive?
 
The closest one can get without getting clearance to enter KSC/CCAFS would be on the northern shore of Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral (town). From this vantage you're about 14 miles from the pad and it's accessible from Tampa by taking I-4 to FL-528 (Bee Line) in Orlando and continuing to the beach.

If you get as close as you can, you need to keep in mind that countless thousands will also be trying to get as close as they can...so it's close to chaos trying to get out. Don't plan on going to work the next day as it'll take you a few hours just trying to get out of whatever parkling lot you're in.

I'd avoid all that and make a U turn back onto 528 East and find a spot on the bridge from the mainland to Merritt Island.
 
Ok, you know the area, cool. Is getting clearance clearance to enter KSC/CCAFS one of those next to impossible things for the average citizen or just really expensive?
 
KSC is a secured area. If you're not working the launch, you have to be in the VIP list. I don't think that tours are conducted around launch.
 
One more thing: Don't try to take pictures during your first launch. Set your VCR or DVR to record NASA-TV or CNN, and download photos afterwards from nasa.gov. Those pictures will be better anyway. But there's nothing like witnessing a spaceship launch with your own eyes. It's something you'll remember for the rest of your life.
 
Agreed, that’s an experience I would want to soak up with my naked eyes. Pictures or videos of the launch I could see almost anywhere. Plus it will be fun to brag to the grandkids… once we have kids.
 
Mike, are you planning on seeing the 125 launch?

If at all possible, yes. Denise and I were lucky enough to have been invited to attend as guests of the flight crew. Now, we're just crossing our fingers that our work schedule doesn't come up with anything to keep us from traveling.
 
How many more night launches?

____________________________________________________________




"Who is the man with the raspy voice and pockmarked face---SHAS"
"He's an ugly mother-fu......."
"Shut your mouth!"
"But I'm talkin' 'bout SHAS !"
" Yo' damn right !"
 
STS-126 is currently scheduled for 7:55PM on November 14 with sunset taking place at 5:07 PM local time on that date. There haven't been any more launch times confirmed.
 
STS-126 L-1 Webcast

:techman:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ8rhr6Jths

Hosted by Damon Talley of NASA's Digital Learning Network, the webcast takes you behind the scenes at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and includes an interview with Flow Director Ken Tenbusch, who oversees the critical work to prepare shuttle Endeavour for flight.
Enjoy:)
 
STS-126 Space Shuttle Launch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4MJGnIEW9E

Space shuttle Endeavour roared off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on a spectacular tower of smoke and flames. The STS-126 mission is an extremely ambitious undertaking, highlighting four spacewalks and delivering the heaviest payload in shuttle history.

Cool night launch!:)
 
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