rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Hi folks,
I make myself a dream become true and will travel to Florida to see the next space shuttle launch, currently scheduled for October 23rd. I thought that would be a good thing to blog about - and so here it is:
http://spacelaunch.gerhards.net
Event though not 100% astronomy related, I hope it is still interesting. I would appreciate any feedback you can provide.
Many thanks,
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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llanitedave
Humble Megalomaniac
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 10477
Loc: Amargosa Valley, NV, USA
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Rainer, nice blog. Looks like you're keeping on top of things.
And good luck on your trip!
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"S.O.E." (Sauron's Other Eye) 16" Royce conical mirror: A permanent work in progress.
10" Homebuilt dob, old Coulter mirror
Next Project: The "Eye of Sauron" Observatory!
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Thanks for the kind words. I still hope that "no news is good news" - NASA is soooo silent since Sunday 
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Rainer, I'll mark this thread as a favorite. My wife, dad, and nephew all went down to the Atlantis launch on June 8th, so I'll be more than happy to give you tips on what we did, where to go, how to leave, etc...
Good luck! 
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Hi Mattbtn,
thanks! Can you tell me a bit about how bad the traffic to KSC will get on launch day? Depending on when it actually launches, I'll need to drive in either from Titusville or Cocoa Beach (via SR3). I am a bit hesitant Cocoa Beach will give me troubles, but there were no decent hotel rooms available in Titusville for the dates
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Rainer,
Apologies for not replying sooner... 
We arrived at the KSC Astronaut Hall of Fame about 6 hours before launch, and already at that time the traffic across the causeway to the main KSC complex was bumper to bumper, although you have to remember this was during the peak vacation season in June. I'd guess that in October the crowds may not be as heavy.
If you are going to the main KSC visitor complex for viewing, I'd plan on arriving 5-6 hours before launch just to get a good spot and leave plenty of time for sightseeing, pictures, etc... They setup food tents so you can get lunch/snacks, etc..., although the prices are pretty high if I recall. We also had a couple of Astronauts speak to the crowd about the launch experience and being in space, so that was neat to see.
If you are planning to observe the launch from an outside viewing area, I'm really not sure when you should arrive because those are all first come, first serve (so I was told), and I can't say how long before launch they fill up, but I'd guess pretty early.
Now, leaving after the launch is a different story altogether. The launch we viewed was at approximately 7:38pm EST, and it took us about 2 hours just to get 1-2 miles from the viewing site. Remember that if you are at the Main Visitor complex you have an extra 6-7 miles of traffic to deal with. Everything near where we parked was completely gridlocked, and Titusville police seemed to do nothing to improve it. Once we got out of the immediate vicinity things seemed to get better but traffic was still heavy all the way back to Orlando. The good news is that the traffic heading south on Highway 1 (or SR1?) didn't seem to look too crowded, most of the traffic seemed to be heading west towards Orlando. If you are heading south back towards Cocoa you may just be alright after the launch, but no promises!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Matt
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
Edited by Mattbtn (10/10/07 08:08 PM)
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Hi Matt,
thanks for the tips, much appreciated. I got "launch viewing and breakfast with astronaut" tickets, which got me an assigned arrival time of 5am  - with the launch being at 11:38a, I will probably head to KSC soon enough (I guess I must get close to the gates by 4a...). I think I'll stay at KSC after launch to let the crowd clear out. Depending on the actual launch day, I'll be driving in/out via SR 3/Cocoa Beach.
The big question now, unfortunately, is *if* there is a launch at all. NASA has identified some problems with the heat shield at the wing leading edges. I am blogging since monday on that: http://spacelaunch.gerhards.net - it will be somewhat "thrilling" for me the next couple of days... 
Rainer
--------------------
I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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llanitedave
Humble Megalomaniac
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 10477
Loc: Amargosa Valley, NV, USA
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I've got my fingers crossed, Rainer. From what I initially read, it shouldn't be a real problem -- but I know how sensitive people are, and understandably so.
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"S.O.E." (Sauron's Other Eye) 16" Royce conical mirror: A permanent work in progress.
10" Homebuilt dob, old Coulter mirror
Next Project: The "Eye of Sauron" Observatory!
|
rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Yes, I think the situation has improved much. I am quite optimistic it will be a "go" ... but you never know. So keeping the fingers crossed is much appreciated
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Rainer, just be prepared for lots of stress on launch day, because there are about 10,000 reasons to delay a launch. I was pretty relaxed for the first several hours of waiting, but that last hour seemed to take forever.
Our closest encounter with a delay was about 20-30 minutes before launch when the weather at the primary Transoceanic Landing Site turned for the worse, and NASA had to quickly find another available landing site. We were all on pins and needles for those few minutes when things were uncertain and looking favorable for a delay.
Fortunately, everything worked out and hopefully for your launch everything will work out too! 
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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The good thing is that I have a "personal launch period" of about 2 weeks. If it'll launch during that period, everything is fine -- though I have to admit I hope it launches on within the first 5 days or so. Otherwise, I'll have to get stay up during the night and sleep when the sun is shining
I already had my bad experience last year, when I tried to view STS-115 (the one delayed by hurricane). To make a long story short: I had to leave before it launched.
What I am concerned about now is that I (thankfully!) have launch transportation tickets to the causeway. However, these are used up when I enter the transfer bus. So if there is a delay within the last three to four hours, I need to try find some for the next launch attempt.
... but all in all - I am relaxed as long as we do not get a multiple-week delay
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Hi all,
maybe you can help me with this ... ummm... somewhat unusual question I am more than slightly puzzled. Documentation that came with my Kennedy Space Center launch tickets recommends to bring a couple of things (like big zoom lenses, tripods etc - good recommendation IMHO). But then, the security section says that "large bags" (whatever this is) are not permitted into KSC on launch days. I am right now packing for my trip and I wonder what I can bring with me. We are a party of 3, 2 adults, 1 kid.
I've made a picture of the bags I have on my mind - I'd appreciate some feedback from those of you who have already been through this.
http://www.gerhards.net/Gallery-sts120-picfull-what_is_large_bag.phtml
OK, OK, I guess this sounds funny... but it's really important to me
Thanks for any feedback!
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Rainer,
I think you'll find that NASA is far more restrictive on their website than they are in person once you get to KSC. I was easily able to get in with a large camera bag, which is about as large as your sling bag, and my wife carried her purse. They understand people want to carry large camera equipment, folding chairs, etc...so as long as you aren't bringing something just truly obnoxious I think you'll be ok.
I'll also say that NASA doesn't seem to be the most efficient operation anyways at these launches. I "bought" four $38 launch tickets online a week a few days before launch, yet when we arrived, the ticket line at the observing site was grossly understaffed and working without any working computers, so we wound up waiting in line for about 30 minutes and ulitmately got our launch tickets for free. They took my CC information both online AND in person at the observing site, but never placed an actual charge.
With an early launch and seemingly much smaller crowds than we endured during the summer, I think you won't have any issues whatsoever and will hopefully get to watch a fantastic launch!
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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Thanks for all that great info. That looks far more promising. I think I'll also ask in person on the day before launch day, expecting the result you have said
Thanks again!
Rainer
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I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Rainer, when do you fly over? I saw a headline on NASA.gov that said they are still a "Go" for October 23rd @ 11:38am EST.
I'm crossing my fingers for you (and the crew) that everything goes off without a hitch!
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
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rgerhards
member
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: Germany
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crossing fingers seems to help 
I am flying over tomorrow (on Friday). The alternative would have been 22nd, definitely too late. So now it looks like I must enjoy the Orlando area for a day or too. I guess I'll get over that
On the 22nd, I'll head to space center and try to get the upclose tour, maybe I can see Discovery inside the pad.
But keep you fingers crossed, the final decision is on the 21st...
Rainer
--------------------
I am going to view a space shuttle launch! View my trip blog.
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Mattbtn
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/08/06
Posts: 3163
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Safe travels! I hope Orlando isn't too crowded, but there is a lot to do there that can be fun. If you are a roller coaster guy you can always check out the Islands of Adventure Theme Park @ Universal, or even Sea World. But beware, Orlando is more expensive than drugs.
As to the viewing site, I bet you'll be able to see Discovery on the pad just fine. We were 12 miles away but with binoculars and long camera lenses you could see the top of the platform and the main tank, so I imagine any closer you'd be in a prime viewing spot.
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"Computers help us solve the many mysteries of the universe. They also help us make the same mistake many times, really fast."
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