| Author | Message | |||
| George Myers (George_myers)
Registered Member Username: George_myers Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 67.72.98.88 Rating: N/A |
Space Launch There is a Shuttle launch scheduled for when we will be in Florida next February. I realize that these things get delayed and we could spend a lot of time waiting for it, but I would like to see one go up. I would appreciate any information, from someone who has been there, on where the best place to watch it from would be. Back in the 1960s, my folks would watch the launches from an RV park that was across an inlet, or some water, from the Space Center, but I do not know what park it was. For those in the military, do you know if the Fam Camp at Patrick is filled or not for the launches and if having a military car pass and personal ID will get you into a better vantage point. Thanks George Myers | |||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 201 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 76.108.116.40 Rating: N/A |
Hi George, Try this site. http://www.brevardparks.com/rv_tent/ I have stayed at Manatee Hammock & Long Point, but not Wickham. Good bus access, and Manatee is right across the lagoon from KSC. Lots of folks stay there to watch launches from the campground shore or you could drove part way across the causeway to the north & park, I think. If you have a small boat you could anchor part way across the lagoon as well. You should make a reservation when there is to be a launch. Jim-Bob | |||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 795 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.168.92 Rating: N/A |
George - although we watched night launches from US 1 in Titusville across the Indian River from Kennedy (about 10 miles from launch pad) - If you get there early enough they used to let you park at the top of the overpass at the Hwy 405 entrance (as access to Kennedy is denied on launch day) or if you want to spend some $$$$$ you can watch the launch from within Kennedy and be as close as about 5 miles - not much closer than the overpass though - HTH | |||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 534 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.101.120 Rating: N/A |
Jetty Park nearly adjoins the launch site, and is a favorite spot to camp for any launch... You may have to reserve a spot, though.. But it'd be the absolute best spot to camp, if you want to be "right there". *Jetty Park* Patrick AFB is fairly close to the launch site, and we usually find decent spots to watch the launches at either the nearby beachside parks, or on the Pineda Causeway that adjoins PAFB. Cheers! | |||
| Jeffrey Smith (Greenhornet)
Registered Member Username: Greenhornet Post Number: 76 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 198.136.32.74 Rating: N/A |
I have gone up 4 times. I bring the kiddies with me. I park along the river in Titusville, on US1,there is a park with a playground on the north end of town and that keeps the young ones entertained. Evertime I go there is a delay. Never seen one closer than Melbourne causeway, that was a night launch, I took my dog with me cuz the family didn't want to make the trip at night. I had to stop in Melbourne cuz the launch was real close and I wouldn't have made it to Titusville. Still close enough to hear the engines and feel the power. Plus being a night launch made the sky look like it was on fire. Very impressive stuff. Makes you proud to be American! My Basset Hound loved it too howled liked you wouldn't believe. Get there early as any availible spots fill up quickly. | |||
| Jack Hart (Jackhartjr)
Registered Member Username: Jackhartjr Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 64.12.117.73 Rating: N/A |
George, I may be wrong, however I recall reading years ago that the best way to see a launch is by getting tickets through your congressman or senator, that way you get to go in as close as anyone gets. Please let us know if that works. Jack | |||
| Chris Peters (Chris_85_rts)
Registered Member Username: Chris_85_rts Post Number: 51 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 66.194.150.45 Rating: N/A |
We have stayed at Manatee Hammock a few times, but not for a shuttle launch. I really like that place, the whole place is dense trees, you can walk the entire grounds and be in shade the whole time. Right across the water from the VAB. I'll try to attach a google earth file.
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