Shuttle launch viewing opinion.
03-10-2009, 05:40 AM
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Shuttle launch viewing opinion.
Hey all, I'm flying into Florida from Toronto(Ft. Lauderdale) tomorrow morning; we're staying in Boca Raton.
I'm debating whether or not to haul the wife and kids up to see the shuttle launch. It's a "once in a lifetime" vs. the thought of schlepping the kids up to see a late evening launch from likely very far away and then driving 3 hours back dilemma.
Any opinion will be appreciated; you guys have likely seen a few launches.
Also, assuming I go, any recommendations on where to watch it from? The NASA website suggests:
1) Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, especially in Titusville.
2) The Beach Line Expressway, also called State Road 528. The portions of the Beach Line crossing over the Indian River (the Bennett Causeway) and the Banana River are good vantage points.
3) Off State Road A1A along the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach.
4) Jetty Park (321) 783-7111 at Port Canaveral, on the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station border. Both Space Shuttle and expendable launch vehicle liftoffs can be viewed from here. The park is open all day year-round.
Thanks in advance, all!
Carmine
I'm debating whether or not to haul the wife and kids up to see the shuttle launch. It's a "once in a lifetime" vs. the thought of schlepping the kids up to see a late evening launch from likely very far away and then driving 3 hours back dilemma.
Any opinion will be appreciated; you guys have likely seen a few launches.
Also, assuming I go, any recommendations on where to watch it from? The NASA website suggests:
1) Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, especially in Titusville.
2) The Beach Line Expressway, also called State Road 528. The portions of the Beach Line crossing over the Indian River (the Bennett Causeway) and the Banana River are good vantage points.
3) Off State Road A1A along the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach.
4) Jetty Park (321) 783-7111 at Port Canaveral, on the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station border. Both Space Shuttle and expendable launch vehicle liftoffs can be viewed from here. The park is open all day year-round.
Thanks in advance, all!
Carmine
03-10-2009, 10:12 AM
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There's a little bar on US-1 right across from the launch pad. Anywhere along US-1 is ok too.
It's actually a restaurant and family friendly.
The best part is they have the NASA channel on the big screen so you can watch all the behind scenes action, then go watch them light the candle.
Parking is usually $20 and for patrons only...well worth the price.<ul><li><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&safe=on&ll= 28.566026,-80.798703&spn=0.001263,0.001717&z=19">http ://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&safe=on&ll= 28.566026,-80.798703&spn=0
The best part is they have the NASA channel on the big screen so you can watch all the behind scenes action, then go watch them light the candle.
Parking is usually $20 and for patrons only...well worth the price.<ul><li><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&safe=on&ll= 28.566026,-80.798703&spn=0.001263,0.001717&z=19">http ://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&safe=on&ll= 28.566026,-80.798703&spn=0
03-10-2009, 10:28 AM
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I've been to a few. Back when you could actually get close, it was a mind blowing experience.
The last one I watched from SR 528, and even with a 300mm lens, it was just "meh"
Night time launches are a different animal. It literally looks like a mini sun rise.
The first one I ever saw was on top of a van parked in the press area. I could feel the reverberations through the van! I'm pretty sure I could feel the heat too, but I was a kid at the time and easily impressed.
Night time launches are a different animal. It literally looks like a mini sun rise.
The first one I ever saw was on top of a van parked in the press area. I could feel the reverberations through the van! I'm pretty sure I could feel the heat too, but I was a kid at the time and easily impressed.
03-10-2009, 06:38 PM
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Go ahead and go to Kennedy Space Center. Its worth the $, and at the end of the day, you have....
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/91376/dscf0041.jpg"></center><p>...a great place to watch the launch
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