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Shuttle
Lurch88 - 12/1/10 at 11:55 AM

Looking for the best place to whatch a Shuttle launch.
And yes, I realise that Florida is a good place to start!

blakep82 - 12/1/10 at 12:07 PM

don't nasa have a place where you go, and its got the countdown clock and everything there, looks about 2 miles from the lauch pad itself?

[Edited on 12/1/10 by blakep82]

vinny1275 - 12/1/10 at 12:12 PM

I was looking at this a while back, didn't save anything tho. Have a look at the NASA website, they have links to the best places to watch - some fill up early, and some will charge for access on shuttle launch days. The other thing is that the launches are often delayed for weather, air traffic, sea traffic - pretty much anything - so leave plenty of time in your stay in case it gets delayed, and be prepared for some frustration, as they might cancel within a few minutes of the scheduled launch window.

And good luck, it's something I've always wanted to see, and there's not going to be too many more shuttle launches. Beg / borrow / steal a camera with a very long lens as well!!

HTH


Vince

Lurch88 - 12/1/10 at 12:32 PM

The problem with the NASA web site all there recomendations are 10-15 miles away across the River,
Was looking for something a little closer.
But not too close to the Aligators!

smouldin - 12/1/10 at 12:46 PM

Shuttle is due to launch on 7/2.

Latest news is that it may be delayed due to a design problem with the new module going up the the ISS.

I'm hoping it will be, as we are landing in Florida on 7/2, so we are hoping to watch . There will only be 5 more launches before the shuttle fleet is put out to pasture.

My brother saw it take-off last year. He says you can see it clearly from miles away....

mad4x4 - 12/1/10 at 12:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Lurch88
The problem with the NASA web site all there recomendations are 10-15 miles away across the River,
Was looking for something a little closer.
But not too close to the Aligators!



By the way check the launch is in Florida - When we were in florida the Launch of a Rocket was cancelled and switched to Calafornia.

We only allocated 1 day for NASA and really could have spent 2 days there. I do prefer Johnstone Space center (Nasa Houston) though.....

It will get pretty warm if you get too close . Minimum distance is 3 Miles IIRC. Was warned that it fills up quick. And 3 Miles is where the VIP's see it from.

Best to search the net and get on a GEEK forum.... must be one

[Edited on 12/101/10 by mad4x4]

Mr Whippy - 12/1/10 at 01:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Lurch88
The problem with the NASA web site all there recomendations are 10-15 miles away across the River,
Was looking for something a little closer.
But not too close to the Aligators!


probably incase it blows up....

10 miles seem quite close enough for me and even then it will be very loud. The base absolutely huge and the launch pads right on the coast so you can't really be very close to it anyway. Have a look at google earth and you'll see what I mean.

Mr Whippy - 12/1/10 at 01:02 PM

then again if you wore one of these....

Lurch88 - 12/1/10 at 01:12 PM

The Launch is in Florida ,I thought all Shuttles went from Florida?
It was suposed to launch on 04/02 and has been put back to 07/02 at 04.20 am so up early.
Now were did I put my Aligator Costume

Mr Whippy - 12/1/10 at 01:47 PM

yeah all are launched from Florida as their put togeather in the vehicle assemebly building there. They however land elsewhere and brought back on trucks.

[Edited on 12/1/10 by Mr Whippy]

Rek - 12/1/10 at 02:16 PM

you can also watch from the water (in a boat that is)...

Mr Whippy - 12/1/10 at 03:25 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Rek
you can also watch from the water (in a boat that is)...


good idea though they'll still be exclusion zones

Bare in mind they get delayed quite often due to the weather and tec problems so don't be too surprised if you end up missing it. That's what happened to me when I went over, delayed 2 weeks bummer, damn thing was even sitting on the launch pad

Lurch88 - 12/1/10 at 03:36 PM

Was going to pack light.
I think taking a boat may put us over the limit!

Rek - 12/1/10 at 03:46 PM

Hehe, what I meant there are lots of charters... paddle steamers etc..

lotusmadandy - 12/1/10 at 07:59 PM

We watched a shuttle launch back in 2008
from 20 miles away,as you couldnt get near to nasa.we went on the centre tour two days before and were told the best viewing point is coco beach.The only problem is you need to be there about 8 hours before launch to get a spot.
The launch viewing platform is for the press and invited guests.

Andy

Alan B - 12/1/10 at 08:50 PM

Can see the launches from my garden.....about 60 miles away. Did see one once about 3 miles away, got special passes from a friend who works there....amazing sight. But, yeah, realistically 10 miles or so is as near as most will get, but still a good view.

Must admit there is a certain yawn factor creeps in with familiarity, which is a shame because it's a pretty awesome experience. Typically, at work everyone will step outside for 5 minutes to see the launch, then back in to work.

If I can help anyone specifically just give me a shout.

Alan

Lurch88 - 13/1/10 at 09:44 PM

Some of the" Special Passes "would be nice
Who do I have to sleep with ?

[Edited on 13/1/10 by Lurch88]

Lurch88 - 13/1/10 at 09:44 PM

Some of the" Special Passes "would be nice
Who do I have to sleep with ?