Shuttle launch - how best to see while in Florida?

JackRS

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

Have you decided Jack?

Well like always with these things it's not down to me, I just do the research and provide the money. My wife and 17 year old daughter (major space fan) have the say and they wanted the best view (obviously most expensive option). So I booked the causeway VIP tickets for the 4 of us for £310 (with Gray line). I know I can't justify it but, even though it get’s you another day’s entry to do the tour (provided Shuttle has gone). We’ve been twice before but I believe my loved ones would want to go again. We all understand that there’s a high probability it’ll not launch, so need to think of it as a highly priced lottery ticket. Not told anyone I know as they’ll rightly say I’m nuts!

jeanniebeanie_2

need to think of it as a highly priced lottery ticket.

That's a great attitude! If memory serves me right I think fewer have been postponed in recent times times- i expect the technology to predict issues has improved.

Good luck! I will be very envious if you get to see it. We fly home two days before a launch next trip, so decision taken for me.

JackRS

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

That's a great attitude! If memory serves me right I think fewer have been postponed in recent times times- i expect the technology to predict issues has improved.

Good luck! I will be very envious if you get to see it. We fly home two days before a launch next trip, so decision taken for me.

Yeah but there are many issues out of control beyond the technology, there's something like a 18 minute window for launch and if the weather conditions aren't right (as you know) it's all over. When we planned this trip the launch date was the week after but it has come forward so you never know, when are you due out.?

Two_Hoots_3

If you get a chance after the launch we headed back to the Space Centre where they had a room with a link to Endeavour, we could hear the crew getting their instructions and an excellent staff member was answering our questions and showing us how far from Florida the shuttle was. Dont forget to take binoculars a rug and a picnic you will have a fantastic day, I have just been re-living my experience on youtube I can't belive it will be 10 years in April. You can follow preparations for the launch on www.nasa.spaceflight.gov

Enjoy

JackRS

Two_Hoots wrote: »

If you get a chance after the launch we headed back to the Space Centre where they had a room with a link to Endeavour, we could hear the crew getting their instructions and an excellent staff member was answering our questions and showing us how far from Florida the shuttle was. Dont forget to take binoculars a rug and a picnic you will have a fantastic day, I have just been re-living my experience on youtube I can't belive it will be 10 years in April. You can follow preparations for the launch on www.nasa.spaceflight.gov

Enjoy

It's all about achieving the launch! How about a link to your clip on youtube so we can share your experience?

jeanniebeanie_2

Just been on the launch schedule and it's changed quite a bit since I last looked meaning that`Endeavour' is now due to go April 19th. We go April 28th to May12th, so I guess you never know.

We are travelling to Georgia and South Carolina though, so not in the area much this trip, just beginning and end, not likely to catch it really even if it gets re-scheduled.

JackRS

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

Just been on the launch schedule and it's changed quite a bit since I last looked meaning that`Endeavour' is now due to go April 19th. We go April 28th to May12th, so I guess you never know.

We are travelling to Georgia and South Carolina though, so not in the area much this trip, just beginning and end, not likely to catch it really.

Probably similar odds to us then...

swingaloo

Ive been lucky enough to see it twice. I wouldnt pay anything, you can see just as much for free. Its an amazing thing to see, quite emotional to for some reason. The thing that surprised me most wasnt the sight, it was the sound. There is such a roar and the ground shakes. Its a brilliant experience.

moggitymog

we went with gatortours in march 2009, had a wander round ksc and then out to the causeway for the launch, absolutely fab, it was 3rd time lucky as it should have gone up before we got to usa but was scrubbed twice

Two_Hoots_3

I'm sorry to say its not my film on you tube its the actual NASA/news coverage, but the memory brings a tear to my eye now even after 10 years. As swingaloo says its the power and the roar, which took us by surprise as the shuttle left the ground in a cloud of steam and total silence apart from the cheering crowds but after a few seconds the power of the engines could be heard and felt.

I must stop reading this thread I'm so envious of you.