Shuttle Launch?

Not quite an airplane, but close enough. I'm seriously considering making the drive to the Cape to see STS-133 launch later this month. I watched STS-82 (also Discovery) launch when I was 8, and I feel a need to go see Discovery's last launch. Becasue I was so young, obviously my parent took care of the last arrangements, so my question is this: Tickets are either sold out or way over my price range. Where is the closest I could get to watch the launch, say off the side of a highway somewhere? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

Sorry can't help you with your question but I would say absolutely do it! This will be the last chance EVER, the true end of an era and the start of an uncertain space future. I wish I could make it and see it.

 

I've never had the opportunity to do it myself, but I've heard Titusville is the place to go. About 13 miles from the launch pad. Google Space view park or Parrish Park (apparently less crowded and better view)

 

Be prepared for disappointment....... and plan other stuff to do. I went down to see a shuttle launch a while back and it was delayed delayed and then really delayed and we just couldn't extend vacation in the hopes that they would get the problems sorted out.

I'm still gonna try and see one but only if it's convenient to catch a quick flight down, just too unpredictable to make plans around.

 

Good luck. Anywhere in Titusville along the river will be good. Hopefully it won't be delayed for months and months.

 

Check these threads for a few ideas. Post #3 of the first one has a map of the area.

Plan ahead to consider the traffic before and especially afterwards.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221168&highlight=shuttle
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283756&highlight=shuttle
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235320&highlight=shuttle

 

Last chance ever? I'm pretty sure STS-134 will launch not too long after STS-133.

In addition, you can visit Canaveral National Seashore more than 3 days prior to launch and walk on the beach close to the shuttles. STS-134 will be accompanied by STS-335 (Launch On Need) so two shuttles will be on the pad.

I will be missing out on STS-133, but may be able to see it from the Gulfside of FL. Congress also gave approval for STS-335 to turn into STS-135 as the last launch. NASA hasn't decided to go ahead with that. Launch would be June 28th and later for that.

 

Ah, somehow I thought it was the last. Great news perhaps I'll get a chance to see a launch now thanks.

 

Other than NASA's iphone app Spaceflight Now's website is a good place for finding the latest information on launches.

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/

Just click on the "Launch Schedule" link at the top of the page.

 

Join "Florida Dolphin Tours" facebook page, and check their website - or give them a call.

"VIP" causeway tickets are more available than you think - for face value, not the $1000's that you see on Ebay.

FDT is the biggest NASA causeway ticket seller. You could also check Grayline, they are the other company that sells causeway tickets.

I had causeway tickets for the original STS-133 launch. Delay, delay, delay. Couldn't stay any longer and ended up giving them to another f-chatter - then of course delay and delay.

 

I'm pretty sure they did decide to go ahead with STS-135. I know they assigned a crew.

 

BTW, rumor is that there will be NO causeway tickets for sale for STS-134. (or 135, whichever ends up being the last launch) - that NASA will be using the causeway for "real" VIP's.

 

Crew, launch date (if no emergency flight needed), and patch have been finished. They just need to allocate funding for the launch and they have not done that yet as far as I know. The crew for STS-135 is the same for the LON STS-335 iirc.

 

Thanks for the advise guys. I know that the chance of actually seeing it go off is slim to none right now, considering the delays already experienced. Wishful thinking. We'll see.

 

The problem with spring (or late Feb) launches and later is rain. We are finishing up the dry season soon so perfect weather is starting to go away. We are already getting rain on a weekly basis or so.

 

Something like 60% of shuttle launches are scrubbed....If you have to go far, I wouldn't plan an entire trip around the shuttle launch because there is a good chance you could get skunked. Of course, if money and time are no object then it's probably not an issue.

 

Alex D is right. Even those of us in the expendable launch vehicle business have the same worries for launch on time. Rain does cause one to slip a launch but even on a clear day, the winds aloft can cause a delay and I have seen a stray boat cause a delay if you have an instantaneous launch window. I always discouraged friends from coming to see a launch if they didn't have the time for a launch delay.

 

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